Living Legends, Planet Asia & Disflex6

May 3rd was a monumental day for hip-hop in Chico. Earlier that day, LaSalle’s put on an MC battle, where more than 50 MCs took their dreams to the stage to compete for local fame. Following the battle was the biggest hip-hop show to hit Chico this year, featuring Disflex6, Planet Asia (not Cali Agents) and the Living Legends (minus Murs). The crowd of at least 300 eagerly waited for what they have been fiending for since Blackalicous canceled; some live hip-hop for all ages.
The three-member crew, Disflex6, got things warmed up as the BMU started to fill up. After seeing them open up for the Legends for years, it was good to see that they have really elevated their game. With a pretty energetic stage show and bass-heavy beats, the tone was set that this was to be a good night. After ripping for a good half-hour, and after a brief turntable set, the mic was passed up the hierarchy.
Fresno’s School Yard representative Planet Asia took the stage only to tear it down. With his sideman Supreme, the two maintained the party vibe, demanding crowd participation as Asia ran through classics like “Perfection is Done,” along with some new cuts expected to be on his new album. His gold chain music echoed throughout the building, and built up the anticipation. Fully capable of killing a show by himself, Asia merely played the setup role on this night, for it was obvious who the crowd came to see.
After a brief intermission, it was time for the headliners to do what they do best. The presence of Aesop (not to be confused with New York’s Aesop Rock) sent the crowd into a frenzy, and from there the fun began. Known for their live show, the Living Legends, despite just getting back from a tour in Europe, put their heart and everything else they had into maintaining the high level of energy. Crowd favorites like Sunspot’s “Will Not Be Destroyed,” and posse cut “Gotta Question For Ya” were merely crowd warmers. Things really got live when Grouch went through classics like “Wish You a Good Day” and “Simple Man.” Each member present, from Bicasso to Scarub, each got their time to shine and didn’t let down. It says a lot when the lesser known members of your group can still keep the crowd involved and entertained. What I thought was the dopest part of the whole show was that they even dug into the vaults and played songs that all you new jacks have never heard, from old Melancholy Gypsy tapes to some of the older Journeymen projects. When I left, I felt like I was 15 again, filled with adrenaline and a smile, knowing that what I saw was something special that doesn’t happen everyday.

– words and photos by Corey Bloom

Bookmark: