Aesop Rock, Mr. Lif, DJ Big Wiz, Cage & Yak Ballz

One could consider it an honor to perform at the theater that boasts one of the greatest concert rosters in music history, gracing the same stage as the likes of Janice Joplin, The Grateful Dead, The B-52’s and Jimi Hendrix. The deep red entry walls to The Fillmore are lined with photo after photo of the greatest musicians of all time, captured as they performed on that legendary stage. Legends in their own right within the underground hip-hop world, New York’s Aesop Rock and Boston’s Mr. Lif took their place on Fillmore’s stage Thursday night, sharing the spotlight for a combined set performed to a sold-out crowd.
Aesop and Lif, who are both signed to Definitive Jux, one of the most successful independent hip-hop labels the industry has seen, are equipped with unique rhyming styles that vary and yet complement each other. Lif’s quick-lipped style and energetic stage presence along with Aesop’s more coy sound and mellow aura made for an interesting combination, each earning the right to perform on that stage.
As wordsmiths who are known for complex metaphors that often express the hypocrisies and oppression so many souls are forced to deal with, Lif and Aesop integrate their intellectualism with their raw abilities as MCs to create a unique, powerful and satisfying sound. In contrast to many MCs, Aesop sounds better live than he does on wax. There is something more relaxed and honest about his live rhyming that doesn’t always shine through on his albums.
The duo was backed up by New York’s DJ Big Wiz, who was finally set loose to make his magic toward the end of the set. As Big Wiz scratched, the crowd became silent, watching in awe as his hands switched back and forth between the tables, creating sounds other turntablists could only dream of.
Both Aesop and Lif had plenty of material to fill the extended set. It was Aesop’s Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives released earlier this year that took center stage, but the two didn’t hesitate to reach down in their bag of goodies and pull out a few crowd favorites from previous projects. Lif even graced the audience with a song from his upcoming album, to be released in 2006, that was straight off the mixer. Incorporating everything from jazz to hints of reggae into the set, the vibrations from the heavy bass had people moving. With puffs of acrid smoke rising from the floor into clouds, Fillmore’s grand chandeliers, which serve as an ode to the theatre’s rich history, rattled as the beats came thundering out of the speakers. Overall, the mix of the intimate setting, Aesop and Lif’s hunger to be heard and the audience’s true appreciation for the music made for an unforgettable night.

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