Fresh Fest 2010: Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick & More
Hip-hop was definitely in the house over the weekend as the “Old School Reunion Tour” known as Fresh Fest kicked off its first stop at Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Arena at Harboryard venue.
The sold-out audience—fans of all ages to see acts like Kid N Play, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, EPMD, Slick Rick and more tear down the stage—came dressed to impress in their finest throwback gear including shell toe Adidas, three-finger rings, bamboo earrings, gold chains and more. While Guru’s recent passing left a somewhat heavy feeling in the air, each act made sure to celebrate the legendary MC’s contribution to hip-hop.
Nice N Smooth opened the show with a a solid set, followed by fan favorites Kid N Play whose “Ain’t Gon’ Hurt Nobody” got everyone up on their feet (followed by their classic “Rollin’ With Kid N Play” and its trademark dance). The always animated Biz Markie hit the stage dancing, clowning and obviously having a great time; his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “I Want You Back” had the crowd going nuts. Host of the evening Doug E. Fresh then appeared to introduce arguably the biggest act of the night, Big Daddy Kane, whose magnetic stage presence is almost unrivaled to this day. Dressed in a white linen vest, bright orange silk shirt, white pants, orange shoes and dancing along to his classics like “Ain’t No Half Steppin,” Kane didn’t disappoint.
Whodini were up next, kicking off a fast-paced set with their seminal hits “Friends” and “Freaks Come Out At Night.” A petite-looking MC Lyte followed, dressed casual in sneakers, skinny jeans and a leather jacket, ripping through a set for the ladies that included her verse on Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down” and her signature hit, “Ruffneck.” Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith of EPMD came next, dressed in their trademark all-black outfits (Parrish in a bucket hat and oversize Stussy shirt; Erick in a sweatband and hoodie) performing hits like “You Gots To Chill” and “Music.” Finally, Slick Rick closed out the show (assisted, in part, by Doug E. Fresh) with hits like “Hey Young World” and “La Di Da Di.”
Via Dr. Jay’s.
