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Spitkicker Tour

Rap music as a whole continues to battle a media-fed impression that all the artists are tattooed thugs and gangstas only interested in women, alcohol and gunplay; however, no better example of the brighter side of the genre can be found than here on the nationwide Spitkicker tour. The multi-act bill pulled into Hollywood at the House of Blues on Tuesday for an impressive and thought-provoking evening of musical fireworks and lyrical history lessons that had nothing to do with traditional Fourths of July.

Rap music as a whole continues to battle a media-fed impression that all the artists are tattooed thugs and gangstas only interested in women, alcohol and gunplay; however, no better example of the brighter side of the genre can be found than here on the nationwide Spitkicker tour.

The multi-act bill pulled into Hollywood at the House of Blues on Tuesday, after a show with an expanded lineup in Irvine on Monday, for an impressive and thought-provoking evening of musical fireworks and lyrical history lessons that had nothing to do with traditional Fourths of July.

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Unlike most hip-hop shows, where pacing is generally of little concern, this package show flowed smoothly from one act to the next, with all the various MCs continually joining in on each other’s sets. A giant DJ station rotated at center stage to facilitate changeovers.

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The energetic Mos Def opened the festivities with a strong set featuring solo jams from 1999’s “Black on Both Sides” (Priority) and, along with his Black Starr partner Talib Kweli, such 1998 group hits as “Definition” (with its familiar “1, 2, 3” refrain).

Up next was Pharoahe Monch, of Queens, N.Y.-based duo Organized Konfusion, whose powerful delivery and unbridled words of strength, taken mostly from last year’s acclaimed album “Internal Affairs” (Priority), drew a vociferous rise out of the packed house.

Chicago rapper Common then delivered his thoughtful lyrics of empowerment and respect over a jazzy hip-hop bed laid down by talented DJ Jay Dee. His well-received set spanned an impressive if underappreciated career, from 1994’s hard-hitting “Resurrection” to tracks from this year’s excellent “Like Water for Chocolate” (MCA).

Veteran Long Island, N.Y., crew De La Soul closed the enjoyable 3-1/2-hour show with a mind-expanding run-through of their best live joints, including “World Tour,” 1994’s “Ego Trippin’,” the always-bomb “Me, Myself & I” and brand new song “Oooh,” due out on a new album later this summer.

Harlem, N.Y., joker Biz Markie was among the encore guests, leading the house through his 1989 hit “Just a Friend.”

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Spitkicker Tour

House of Blues; 1,000 capacity; $25

  • Production: Presented inhouse.
  • Crew: Reviewed July 4, 2000.
  • Cast: Performers: De La Soul, Common, Mos Def, Pharoahe Monch, Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek, Biz Markie.

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