Crown City Rockers – “Body Rock”

“Live life off the wall like M.J. / Sweat til the whole floor wet, comprendé?”

The Song:

Crown City Rockers are all for good times and even better music, a philosophy that they stand by on their bangin’, party-worthy single “Body Rock.” The catchy chorus and melody are as infectious as the beat, so expect some swaying and swinging to go down whenever this track’s busting out of your speakers. With a hook like “So-so-socializin’ on a Saturday night / and we’re just movin’ to the music and you’re holdin’ me tight / just let your body rock” you merely need to heed the good word of the Crown City Rockers for the party to follow.

The Background:

Comprised of stellar emcee Raashan Ahmad, producer Woodstock, keyboardist Kat Ouano, bassist/producer Headnodic, and drummer Max MacVeety, Crown City Rockers are a genre-blending powerhouse of musical prowess. Combining classic soul samples and funk-inspired beats with their live instrumentation creates a fresh sound that stands out from today’s hip-hop crowd. Formed in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood, the crew relocated to Oakland, CA where things really took off. After releasing two successful albums, this clan has major clout in the Bay Area, being proclaimed the “Best Hip Hop Group in the Bay” by SF Weekly and the SF Guardian which said “The six piece outfit throws down for the cause with an admirably honest effort that shows more than anything else, their dedication to the art form.” Their new single “Body Rock” is in stores now.

Streams: Crown City Rockers – “Body Rock“

by Adam LeBlanc

Lyricist Gift of Gab and DJ-producer Chief Xcel make-up the legendary BLACKALICIOUS who, for over 15 years have repeatedly pushed the envelope and set new precedents with Gab’s uber-clever thought-provoking lyrics and dextrous delivery and Xcel’s timely executed beats, breaks, rhythms and samples.

Acts that consistently bring this much substance to the table oftentimes have little to no room for improvement in a live setting. Each cut being so meticulously planned and constructed that the notion of anything aside from studio work reaching this calibre seems to be an absurdity. With the release of last year’s “4/20 Live In Seattle” DVD Blacklicious proved this notion very wrong and re-confirmed their place as a bona fide elite West Coast act.

Returning to the Pacific Northwest, Blackalicious brought a solid opening act with them in Boston’s Crown City Rockers. Fronted by gifted emcee Raashan Ahmad this quartet really mixed it up, with their apex coming late in the set when Ahmad and drummer/lyricist, Headnodic exchanged machine gun speed verbal assaults while the other provided the brisk beat on a snare drum.

Now in proper mindset, the crowd was salivating in eager anticipation of the Northern California headliners to grace the stage. After a humble intro Gift of Gab completely opened-up with his brilliant and dizzying fluidity. At this point, those who were not previously familiar with Blacklicious were easily recognized – they were the random Vancouverites with baffled stares, open mouths and noticeably lower jaw bones.

Chief Xcel supremely contributed to the live nature of the show by furiously and methodically demonstrating his magic somewhere between his decks and a Macbook at the back of the stage. Multi tonal-laden beats, varying tempos and well-selected samples added perfect complement to Gab’s verses and physical theatrics.

Elated, the crowd really could not ask for more. They got more.

At the halfway mark in the show, Gab introduced close friend and also very gifted lyricist Lateef the Truth Speaker who has closely collaborated with both members since 1992. Currently, Gift of Gab and Lateef make-up The Mighty Underdogs while Lateef and Chief Xcel together are know as The Maroons.

The chemistry between the three veterans was quickly apparent to all as they presented awe-inspiring versions of many classic Blackalicious cuts. Having Gab and Lateef on the same stage, interacting lyrically and physically added a dimension to the show that noone could have expected but was definitely received in the greatest of satisfacition.

In all, the show was far more than expected; it showcased the strengths of a legitimate underground pioneer and helped me confirm the repeated rumors I’ve heard that hip hop is alive and well in Vancouver, BC.

Original Article