History was made last week in New York City (3/5). WNYU’s esteemed Halftime Show celebrated its 10th anniversary. Hosts DJs Eclipse and Skizz had a jam packed show in store for the listeners. The master plan was to put on about twenty five emcees, some of Hip-Hop’s top producers and DJs under one roof and have them showcase their talent live over the radio.
In the basement of NYU University, about a dozen or more people scurried around in preparation for the big event. In the waiting area photographers, reporters and cameramen patiently awaited the arrival of the artists as they snacked on lasagna and other tasty Italian dishes provided by the radio crew.
Among the artists that came to spit were A.G., Joell Ortiz, Juganot, Sadat X, Ill Bill, Masta Ace, Termanology, Superstitious, Emilio Rojas, 8th W1 and many more. However, the artists didn’t do their thing over regular everyday beats; they rhymed over new and unheard beats produced by, Alchemist, DJ Premier, Da Beatminerz and Marco Polo.
The show kicked off with brief interviews with radio vets P-Fine, Sucio Smash, Bobbito Garcia, Mayhem and Sunset. During the interviews on the other side of the divider which separated the closet-sized studio into two even smaller rooms, Swigga, Mister Voodoo and A-Butta of The Natural Elements prepared to freestyle. As time went on, the entrance to the studio became unbearable due to the amount of people trying to catch a glimpse of the show.
When the interview session came to a close, the crew noticed that there were some technical difficulties which would deter the emcees from rhyming. After almost a twenty minute delay, the rhyming finally commenced.
Some highlights of the show included Newark’s own Pacewon killing it over a crazy Alchemist beat which had a steady dramatic piano playing throughout. DJ Revolution did the damn thing on the turntables as he scratched over oldies but goodies including “Pump Me Up” by Trouble Funk. For the new jacks “Pump Me Up” can be heard on the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
DJ Scratch made a surprise appearance and killed it as he mixed and scratched over tracks like KRS-One’s “Step Into a World” and the classic “Another Case of that Old P.T.A” by Leaders of the New School.
Some setbacks of the night were the no shows pulled by such acts as Big Noyd and Pete Rock. Another disappointment to those listening over the airwaves was that DJ Premier ran late and was only able to play his beats for those listening over the internet.
Despite the minor set-backs the show was still a success. This night was a testament to Hip-Hop in it’s truest form.
WNYU’s Half Time Show 10th Anniversary Spectacular Part 1:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/86598834cd69e2/
WNYU’s Half Time Show 10th Anniversary Spectacular Part 2:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/866077834b2460/