As Kiana mentioned, we went to the Basement Blockstars @ EchoPlex  show on Saturday, thanks in large part to Alicia’s invite (grazzi!). It was a great night because the talent was on-point (particularly U-N-I and Pac Div, the former giving quite an energetic performance), but moreso for me because it was my first time at an LA hip hop function since graduating from college. I was pleasantly suprised by the following developments:

 

1) I had no fear of getting shot nor did I have to make an early exit due to the appearance of people who looked ready to shoot the place up.

 

2)  We didn’t have to put up with a bunch of annoying Hollywad-types who make folks pay to sit down.

 

3) The drinks, while slightly weak, were reasonably priced

 

4) There was a decent-sized crowd but not so many people that I left with other people’s sweat on me (you know what I mean).

 

I’ve been to shows in LA that had these 4 qualities in the past but they’ve always been within the security-enforced enclaves of college campuses, it’s nice to get that same vibe from a ”regular” function.  As Jazzy on NerdLike points out, the venue was 18+ which means there was a fair amount of youngsters present and an overabundance of leggings and non-prescription glasses worn, but that was a small price to pay for a good show. And it was quite good.

 

Here’s U-N-I performing “Beautiful Day.” [Disclaimer: If it's blurry at places blame the aforementioned cheap drinks and the fact that I sort of "came up" on this camera (don't ask). I do what I can.]

 

 

I even spotted Taz Arnold of SA-RA, who I occaisionally cyber-stalk because of his uber-quotable myspace (”competition is none in a world of aggressive lames and frivolous biters”) and his hand in creating the dopest Obama song ever.

 

All in all the night restored a bit of faith in this smog-blanketed, gridlocked, billboarded-out city that I call my hometown. Bravo, kids.

 

I’m still going to be out here for New Years, let’s hope nothing happens to spoil my new-found appreciation, lol.

 

Check out whateyethought for more pics and vids of the night.

Tags: Echoplex, Instant Vintage, Los Angeles, NerdLike, Pacific Division, Taz Arnold, U-N-I