In the past year and a half, I’ve become semi-obsessed with Wiz Khalifa and his music (don’t worry, there will be a post about him soon enough). Due to my obsession, I started feverishly looking up tour dates because I really want to see him live. Imagine my surprise when I came across Rock the Bells, an annual music festival that takes place in approximately four cities during the summer. At first, the only show I saw was taking place in California. I actually started looking at flights because I wanted to see him so bad. And then I found that Rock the Bells comes to Governor’s Island in New York City. This summer, the date of the concert is August 28, and yes, I spontaneously bought two tickets without thinking twice.
However, my excitement comes from the line-up at Rock the Bells 2010. First I saw that Wiz Khalifa would be performing, then Snoop Dogg, then a Tribe Called Quest, then Brother Ali, then Wu-Tang Clan and the list goes on. But here’s the real kicker…this year’s special guest is none other than Lauryn Hill. Yes, THE Lauryn Hill. Let me take you back to 1998 when her debut single “Doo Wop (That Thing)” was released. It was Hill’s first Billboard Hot 100 number-one and won her Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song at the 1999 Grammy Awards. I can remember at age 10 listening to this song and singing whatever lyrics I could remember.
Over the past few years, I’ve become sort of a hip-hop connoisseur. I tend to not listen to the radio anymore because I’m sick of listening to what everyone else listens to. Since going to college, I’ve become friends with (mainly) guys who share a love of hip-hop and understand my taste in music. Last summer, my friends in Saratoga got me on a Fugees kick. I love the Fugees, and it only further reminded me of how amazing Hill’s voice is. There is something about her voice that just captures me; it’s beautiful and strong and powerful and addicting. I find myself relating to her and feeling like she gets me even though we’ve obviously never met.
Some people claim that hip hop is dead. I don’t agree with this statement entirely because some artists (Wiz, Lauryn, Wale) give me hope. And even better, Lauryn Hill is on her way back. Since the release of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” album in 1998, she’s been off the charts aside from a Fugees surprise appearance at Dave Chappelle’s Block Party and a reunion concert in California in the mid-2000s. She rarely does interviews and gives public statements and says she’s been busy being a mother.
So now Hill is the featured special guest at Rock the Bells. On August 28, I get to see one of the greatest MCs perform live. Not only is this exciting for me, but it’s exciting for hip hop in general. Who else can pull off a style that combines hip hop with reggae and soul? Not many. Unfortunately, there is some doubt that she will actually follow through. I personally hope she does. I respect Hill as a person and musician and feel that she would add so much to Rock the Bells. What are your thoughts? Do you think she’s really back or is it just a rumor?
Here is a link for Rock the Bells… http://rockthebells.net/ . As I said before, the NYC show takes place on Governor’s Island in New York City at 2 PM on August 28. The link gives a list of all performers at this year’s show. General admission tickets are $100 and this includes a ticket to take the ferry to Governor’s Island. A show like this seems too good to be true…so support hip hop, buy a ticket, and I’ll see you out there.
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