“”Where’s the REAL hip hop at!?!” demanded KRS-ONE of the 10,000 plus, hyped up audience at Summer Jam ’98. The crowd’s ecstatic screams answered his question.
Legends such as A Tribe Called Quest, big willies such as Jermaine Dupri, and soul singers like Chico DeBarge joined KRS-ONE at the event, which was sponsored by 92.3 The Beat in August. With a dozen plus artists in attendance, the heat could not be blamed on the weather alone. The nine hour concert attracted all types of fans because there was something there for any fan of urban music.
R&B marvel Chico DeBarge bestowed a truly classy performance, singing “Iggin’ Me,” “No Gua-rantee,” and the finest song off his album, the soulfully carried out “Virgin.” At times he played the keyboard, making out for a remarkable performance. He didn’t try to appear sexy, he was just himself. And everyone was digging him for it just the same.
With hardly any time to perform, Jermaine Dupri made his act memorable anyway. His right-hand woman Da Brat was at his side, and after a couple of songs, they fell into Dupri’s latest, “Money Ain’t A Thang,” and actually tossed money—lots of it—into the audience. If my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me, I could have sworn I saw some hundreds flying into the crowd. I guess it literally pays to have front row seats.
Montell Jordan and Jon B., on the other hand, failed to get the crowd’s attention or interest as they fell into slow jam after mediocre slow jam. Both these performers lacked the sincerity, and even more important the soul, that made DeBarge’s performance a success. In the midst of Jon B.’s performance, some player haters in dire need of attention rushed the stage picking fights with security, obviously drunk off of their daily dose of Hater-Ade. However, security quickly handled the ordeal, and in contrast to the fear of some fans, the concert proceeded.
Mad respect was given out to A Tribe Called Quest, as the group brought back memories from back in the day with “Scenario,” Hot Sex On A Platter,” and “Bonita Applebomb.” Many people were actually dancing in the crowd and the venue resembled a night club for a while.
So many singers, so little time
Missy, Timbaland, Magoo and newcomer Nicole were joined by Aaliyah and Ginuwine (both Summer Jam performers from last year) to make their performance a family ordeal. A bit confusing to look at, and even more confusing to figure out who was singing what song, the presentation was nevertheless enjoyable, even fun. Songs such as Ginuwine’s “Pony,” Missy’s “I Can’t Stand The Rain,” Timbaland & Magoo’s “The Party Continues,” and Aaliyah’s collaboration with Timbaland “Are You That Somebody” were all sung, with Missy actually going out into the audience, hyping up the crowd as much as possible. While it all seemed a bit rushed, it was the most festive and amusing part of the show.
Other performers included Monica, Mya (each of whom called a lucky fan on stage to help them sing), Big Punisher, Next, as well as the Westside’s very own Nate Dogg and Xzibit. WC also performed, and proved that he doesn’t always need his partners Ice Cube and Mack Ten to put on a dope show. “Gangstas Make The World Go ‘Round,” “Just Clownin’,” and “Cheddar” had Westside! ringing in everyone’s ears.
People are always debating over who the best performer was every year after Summer Jam. This year, the answer to that question was too obvious. Living up to the title given to him by The Source magazine as the best live performer ever, KRS-ONE didn’t just rip up the spot, he tore it to shreds. Hundreds of people rushed to the stage just to be closer to this legend, and true hip hop heads were leaping up and down like children, with their hands up in the air, just feeling his presence. As I observed a photographer next to me, I noticed the camera in his hand was forgotten, replaced with a grin on his face and a gleam in his eyes. Rhyming from classics such as “South Bronx” and “The Bridge Is Over,” Kris turned what were light showers into thunderstorms. As he finished up his much too quick performance and was walking off stage, chants of J- to the I- to the M- to the M- to the Y followed him like a shadow. Suddenly, the entire spot was prompting him back. The crowd could not get enough of the Master of Ceremonies. Like a mother bird returning to feed its young, he rushed back on stage, but could not continue due to limited time. Never one to disappoint his fans, he narrated a beautiful poem, written for his daughter, about love, waiting for the right man, and being careful in the game of life.
The only hazard at Summer Jam: Too many artists and not enough time. Each artist left the audience yearning for more. But as long as females got a taste of their favorite R&B star, wannabe players got to see their big willie idols, and young hip hop heads experienced hip hop legends, all in unity, the goal was achieved. Yes, REAL hip hop was definitely in the house.”