Rock The Bells Hits Vancouver (Review) | Vancouver (August 2009) | By: Adon

Saturday, August 1st marked the Vancouver stop of the Rock The Bells tour.  Dubcnn was in attendance, and we brought help to cover everything that went on that day. 

In addition to myself, I brought producer C-Infamous (Nate Dogg, Yukmouth, Roscoe, Shade Sheist) to help with interviews and pictures, and filmmakers Kevin Fitzgerald (Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme) and Louvens Remy  to handle the filming. 

Even with our crew of 4, it still wasn't enough to cover everything that went on.  But we did manage to get pictures, video, and a handful of interviews.

We arrived a little late, but just in time for our interview with Tech N9ne and Krizz Kaliko (coming soon).  After the lengthy interview, we stepped out of the trailer to see T3 & Elzhi, Joe Vertigo, and local DJ's Marvel (who was DJ'ing for Slum Village) and Seko.  We hung out for a bit before Slum Village's set.  T3 & Elzhi, along with the rest of us, had just heard the news about Baatin that morning.  Both T3 & Elzhi were visibly shook.  There was a feeling in the air of sadness over Baatin's passing, not only backstage, but in the crowd as well.

They paused for a moment during their set to honor baatin.

You'd think having 4 seasoned performers on stage at the same time could bring some fumbles.  Luckily Joell Ortiz acted as Slaughterhouses front man, largely avoiding any mishaps.  There was the odd moment that the group seemed a little unorganized, but the crowd didn't seem to notice (or care).  Joell handled the introductions and did most of the talking between songs.  A definite highlight for the Vancouver crowd was Crooked I's rendition of "Nuthin But a G Thang", where he sang "Aint nothin but a g thang, baaaaaby/4 loced out gs so we craaaaazy/Death Row is the label that DIDN'T. PAY. ME!"  Slaughterhouses set was packed with energy.  A personal highlight for me was Royce.

Saturday was also Tech N9ne's first time performing in Vancouver.  He was anxious to see how the crowd would receive him.  The moment he stepped on stage, the crowd went nuts.  He began by performing "Stamina" (which was pretty amazing in itself to see live).  From that point on, Tech and Krizz kept the crowd on it's feet. 

After learning that Pete Rock wasn't going to make it to the show to help Supernatural host, it was announced that B Real would be taking his place.  But instead of 'hosting', B Real did a 20 minute performance.  Reflection Eternal was scheduled to perform next, but only Hi Tek was there.  Talib had missed his flight earlier that day.

Rza's set included some classic Wu-Tang ("Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nothing to F*ck Wit", "C.R.E.A.M.").  He also had Old Dirty's first born son on stage with him.  Common performed the bulk of his material from 2005's "Be" album.  After common, they began to set up for Nas & Damian Marely.

But during Common's set, the event organizers learned that Talib Kweli had just landed in Vancouver and was on his way to the venue.  He was driven from the Airport, across down, got out of the car and on walked on stage.  He could have easily not performed, but Reflection Eternal snuck in a quick 15 minute set right before Nas took the stage.  I give Talib and Hi Tek full points for their efforts.

By the time Nas & Damian Marley took the stage the sun was beginning to go down.  The crowd was growing tired of the 9+ hours in the sun.  But when Nas took the stage to perform "Hip Hop is Dead", the crowd got their second wind.  After a few solo songs, Nas brought Damian Marley out to perform with him.  Damian did a solo set as well, and they also performed a handful of joint songs. 

Check out the picture gallery below, and stay tuned for performance footage, and interviews with Tech N9ne, Krizz Kaliko, B Real, Hi Tek, and the man himself, Damian Marley.

We've also got content from the LA show coming as well.

Click the image below to launch the gallery

 

(Click Next or Prev or use the arrow keys to navigate through the gallery)