Breaking Down The Bonnaroo 2013 Superjams
Story by:
stephentaylor
RAP SUPERJAM | Friday 12:00-2:00 AM (That Tent)
LETTUCE
The level of talent on the microphone is plenty to get excited about, but do not overlook Lettuce in this recently announced hip-hop showcase of old and new. I’m a fan of hip-hop, but I’ve always carefully tempered my expectations due to the fact that I’ve seen so many of my favorite MCs fall flat in a live setting. One common denominator in many of the great shows I’ve seen has been the presence of a live band. A band can transform and add depth to the songs you’ve known for years and also inspire the artist through moments of spontaneity. The members of Lettuce have extensive experience in the hip-hop space, working with artists like Jurrasic 5, KRS One, Talib Kweli, and 50 Cent. Their brand of funk should be a perfect compliment for the artists listed on this bill.
Lettuce – “Lettsanity” @ Bear Creek 2012
RZA
As Wu-Tang’s resident renaissance man, RZA has yet to take a break since their heyday in the late-90s. His resume boasts an impressive string of production credits, film work, and cross-genre cameos. Somehow, you get the feeling RZA was probably the driving force behind this late-night out of fear that he might get bored during ZZ Top’s set.
DJ JAZZY JEFF
Jazzy Jeff is best known for his stint as Will Smith’s producer and DJ, Jazz has been in the game for quite some time and few can do it like him on the 1s and 2s.
SCHOOLBOY Q & EARL SWEATSHIRT
These two young LA natives are both rising fast behind their relatively more famous label mates Kendrick Lamar (Black Hippy) and Tyler the Creator (Odd Future). Both are known for their eccentric styles and their modern approaches should make for an interesting dichotomy against their more seasoned counterparts.
Earl Sweatshirt – “Chum”
SOLANGE
Although her pipes resemble those of her older, slightly better known sister Beyonce, Solange Knowles has taken an alternative path with her music career. After abandoning early pop efforts, Solange has recently collaborated with Grizzly Bear, Of Montreal, and Chromeo.
Solange – “Losing You”
CHAD HUGO
Hugo is best known as Pharrell Williams sidekick in The Neptunes, a writing duo that is responsible for 24 Top 10 hits over the last two decades and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time. Hugo is a multi-instrumentalist.
Great article. Looking forward to seeing what goes down at BROO!