KRS-1/Buckshot: Blast Mastering

KRS-1

BUCKSHOT

Photos by SCOTT FROST/SHAWN O'BRICK

In a hip-hop clash we thought we'd never see, Blaster Master KRS-1 and Buckshot from Black Moon were together on one stage, flipping back and forth between their own classics and the soon-to-be-labeled classics off the surprising tandem's new disc, "Survival Skills."

The Trocadero in Philly opened up its century old building to host a free coming out party for "Survival Skills," which dropped only the day before, Tuesday. It was a dream meeting of sorts. And a form of education into emceeing, as KRS-1 explained from the stage. In fact the major theme from "Survival Skills" is real deal emceeing, and how the world's done itself wrong by believing, following and accepting fake, phony-ass rappers that constantly spit nothing but mindless nonsense.

While the highlight was witnessing these two icons on stage as one complete lyrical entity, it was also nice to hear the team's modern collaborations. Of course, the crowd - which screamed "Educate Me!" whenever KRS-1 grabbed the mic - erupted when the guys spit its classics.

Buckshot closed the show with "Who Got Da Props," while also dropping iconic Black Moon classics from the '90s, "Buck 'Em Down," "Who Got the Props," "I Got Cha Opin" and "How Many Emcees ..."

The Blast Master tamed the crowd with his hits "Sound of the Police" and "Bridge Is Over," while getting the crowd reciting loudly to the classic B-side "Hip-Hop Vs. Rap." The highlight, however, saw KRS-1 rapping over two classical pieces, including a mash-up of "You Must Learn" with the wedding march, "Pacabells Cannon."

Simply a great night for the 150 some odd people who took advantage of a unique blend of supreme rap minds on a quiet Wednesday evening in Philly. 

KRS-1

KRS-1

BUCKSHOT