Photos & review by James Gough
First show of the year. First time shooting a hip-hop show. New year, new me, and all that.
Changing things up a little this year. After only shooting a handful of shows in 2024, I’ve been itching to get back into it. What better way to do it than with hip-hop royalty, The Roots.
While heavy music is my poison, I listen to a lot of hip-hop as well. I was introduced to hip-hop in my early days of high school when I swapped an older mate’s brother Soulfly’s self-titled album for Wu-Tang’s 36 Chambers—a record that opened this new world up to me.
After finding the usual suspects in 2Pac, Nas, and A Tribe Called Quest, I stumbled upon The Roots. I immediately fell in love with them because they were an actual band—and as a drummer, I was immediately obsessed with Questlove. Hip-hop with live bands just hits way harder for me. Think Oddisee and Baker Boy—artists who tour with live bands. It’s a different energy, and the musicians involved are always absolute weapons.
Kicking off the night: Nai Palm. Rad name, and not at all what I was expecting. Nothing beats walking in blind and discovering a new artist you know you’ll be spinning all year long. It’s like Hendrix rolled into Alicia Keys, but your dream punk rock goddess. Diamond-studded Flying V, fluorescent green hair, leather head to toe. Shut the gates—I'm a fan.
The crowd is a little thin, which is a damn shame, but I’m certain Nai Palm is winning over every single person in the room who, like me, had no idea who she was. I could seriously go home happy right now.
Next up: Talib Kweli, who I also discovered in my early days deep-diving into New York hip-hop. After a minor tech glitch, the Brooklyn native had the crowd bouncing with some back-and-forth energy. His voice and delivery are on point. Moving between bars and melody, Talib reminds everyone why he’s one of the GOATs.
The smell of that sweet herb fills the room, and I’m reminded this is only the second hip-hop show I’ve been to. The first one was kind of disappointing, so I’ve clearly been missing out. I don’t want to be that old jaded dude, but OG hip-hop just hits differently. After a quick vibe check from Talib, shouting out everyone born in the different decades, it’s obvious I’m surrounded by mostly ‘80s babies who all feel the same way.
I used the phrase “hip-hop royalty” earlier, and it’s so fitting as soon as these legends walk on stage. They jump straight into it, and the crowd’s vibing. That live hip-hop energy is alive and well. A swagger. A confidence that only comes with years at the top of the game. Founding members Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter are masters at their craft. The band is absolutely locked in and in the pocket. While I was only able to view a few songs, this was a clinic in how to do it rock a crowd.
some insight into covering shows:
Unfortunately, after a few songs, we had to leave. Sometimes, certain shows and or venues ask photographers to cloak their gear in order to return to watch the show. While I’m sure it would be fine & I respect this, I won't leave the road case that keeps the roof over my family’s head in a shed outside with strangers.