Ground Zero

After 9/11, like a lot of Americans, O'Neal and I were left wondering what we could do to help. We contacted The Middle East (the venue, and yes, there is some irony there) about doing a benefit concert. A number of other promoters and bands had the same thought, so the venue ended up doing a string of benefits, and donated 200% of the door proceeds to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. We pulled together every known emcee we could find, and I have to say, they were all eager to get involved ---- the event was a huge sold-out success, and we ended up raising over $10,000. It was a proud moment for everyone in that room. GeeSpin was on stage forcing the rappers to empty their pockets into a hat --- everybody gave that night. Pretty sure I have some show audio around here somewhere ... but in the meantime ...

We also got together with Inebriated Rhythm to record a single that would be sold at the event. The song featured EDO.G, Reks, Alius, Akrobatik, Illin' P, Jaysaun, Shuman and T-Max over a really dope Soul Supreme beat. We never did much with the song, but I like to listen to it every now and then, to remember how Boston really pulled it all together that night.

Here is the mp3.

Akrobatik - Remind My Soul (Live) - MP3

I consider Akrbatik's Balance album to be one of the best indie hip-hop albums ever --- solid from beginning to end. We were really proud to be part of that project (even did the cover art). "Remind My Soul" was the standout single from this record (did that cover too) --- sonically and topically just a really powerful song.

Here is a live MP3 version of "Remind My Soul," recorded at the 2004 Superbowl MC Battle.

The Perceptionists - 2003

Akrobatik, Mr. Lif and DJ Fakts One perform "Show Starter" at Aesop Rock's Bazooka Tooth Release Party (2003).

Akrobatik (2003)

Akro performs "Balance" at The Middle East in Cambridge MA in early 2003. Not sure if this was his release party, but I see some label folks there in the crowd, so it must have been close to release date. Lif is with him on stage, and Fakts One and DJ Sense are on the wheels.

Boston Beats & Rhymes

In 2004 Scott Limanek produced an interesting and thorough documentary about the history of hip-hop in Boston called "Boston Beats & Rhymes." The film includes a lot of footage from concerts we produced, along with interviews from our management clients; EDO.G, Mr. Lif and Akrobatik. I scoured the internet to find some video clips and came up empty, and then remembered that Scott gave me a copy years ago, and actually managed to find the damn thing .... I'll be posting this in 5 chunks, and it's worth a watch.

Here is Part 1

Mr. Lif & Akrobatik "Inhuman Capabilities Live"

This live performance was recorded at the 2004 NEMO Music Showcase at The Middle East. More to come from this show.

You can stream or download here.