I am not a huge fan of music, I like certain artists but I am not knowledgeable on the topic and don't necessarily have a good ear for music. My younger brother is the complete opposite, he plays more than three instruments, was a part of two bands and has a passion and love for music. So when he first told me he and a friend of ours have an extra ticket for a hip hop show I was reluctant. My brother convinced me to go, since we might leave the United States after we graduate we should make a list of things to see, sort of "bucket list" before we leave. So in the spirit of experiencing all I could, I said yes and had one of the greatest times in California.

The show was in San Jose and the show featured a performance by Talib Kweli, of Black Star an album he collaborated with Mos Def. The show started with a few local artists who were all pretty good but it was the MC who stole the show before Talib performed. The MC of the show kept the crowd alive by playing songs in between acts, getting the crowd to chant, cracking jokes and making the show feel like a party. One of the highlights of the night was when the first performers couldn't start due to some technical difficulties. So after some waiting, the MC came out and asked the audience for two participants to take part in a hip hop battle. Once the two audience members came the MC said "YOU ARE ALL THE JUDGES, IF THESE GUYS TEAR THE ROOF DOWN I WANT TO HEAR YOU ALL CHEER!! IF THEY SUCK I WANT YOU ALL TO START F****** BOOING!!!" I got to witness and take part in something I have only seen in Youtube videos and in movies. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t fun booing and cheering the two participants. After it was done the MC asked us by applause who was better, the winner was announced and they both got to go back and chill with the artists.

After what felt like forever, Talib Kweli came out with a five man band and instantly made me a fan. He played songs from his album “Black Star”. Talib then told the whole crowd to throw their hands in the air and thousands in attendance did so singing along to one of his songs. Talib ended his show by giving his respect to the Beastie Boys and performed one of their songs “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” in memorial of Adam “MCA” Yauch.

At the end of the show I realized that doing something outside your comfort zone or something you might not be interested in, could end up being one of your greatest nights ever. I have added three videos below, the first is one of the local groups who were free styling due to the technical difficulties. The second is Talib Kweli getting the crowd to participate and the third is Talib’s tribute to the Beastie Boys.