Any hip-hop group that has a full band when performing live gets my respect. While I don't mind the rapping and understand how difficult it is as an artform in, and of, itself, it's the music/beats that always hook me first. If you show up on stage with only a DJ, that's fine, I'm just not interested. If you show up on stage with a full band that can throw down a rapping groove, I'm in! My cherry was popped by the Beastie Boys way back in the day when they showed up on stage with guitars, a drummer, a percussionist, *and* a DJ. That's when I saw the potential of hip hop, and I've been a fan ever since then. I know there have been lots of hip hop groups over the years who perform with a full band when live, and that's awesome, so please don't think I'm trying to speak nostalgic and live only in the past! One of my favorite groups currently is Anderson Paak. Ironically, I don't much care for their songs on the record, but when they are playing their stuff live, watch out! I don't know where I'm going with all of this so I'll just stop. Adam Deitch, you are the man! I'm not a drummer, but I've always wanted to be. Maybe one day I'll have the confidence to play on more than a practice pad, but in the meantime, I'll keep watching musicians like yourself to keep my head up! I'm for dang sure going to be at the next Lettuce show, whenever you guys show up in my city again! Cheers!
