By G.I.N.A. (Game Is Not Allowed)

Old school (well not so old) Hip-Hop and R&B represented for the twenty- somethings at Power 105.1 FM’ 80’s Babies Show.  The mini-concert, held at New York’s Nokia Theater in Times Square, merged 90’s crooners and MC’s on stage for a big throw back party. 

The show was hosted by Power 105.1’s DJ Self, along with the always animated Ed “come on son” Lover.  Ed and Self set the tone while various Power DJ’s kept the crowd in party mode by spinning Reggae, Rap and R&B hits from the 90’s.

First up to bat was Next.  The 90’s trio performed as a duo with members RL and T Low opening the show. Their vocals sounded as if they never stopped making albums.  The pair was energetic and obviously enjoying the love they were receiving from the audience.  Next delivered each song flawlessly, while the crowd belted every lyric as if we were hundreds of backup singers.  The down side however was that the set was much too short.  After enduring some of the not so stellar acts that came after, Next could definitely have had more shine.

Intro took the stage and just about sang us to sleep.  Although they sounded good, their stage presence was mediocre.  The somber and lackluster performance could have been attributed to the fact that the show fell on the eighth anniversary of former lead singer Kenny Greene’s passing.  In remembrance of him, his band mates should have acted like they wanted to be there.  Unlike Next, who were entertaining and exciting, Intro droned on for five songs. 

Mr. Cheeks of the Lost Boyz woke us up with his distinctive voice and famous “LB” two-step.  The party was back in full swing.  Cheeks blessed us with verses from hits like “Renee,” “Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz” along with well-known lyrics from cameo appearances he made on songs with other artists.

Greg Nice from the 90’s rap duo Nice and Smooth gave a peculiar performance.  Instead of reciting his own lyrics, which he gave us a taste of at the end of his set, he proceeded to beat box various songs from other artists for more than five minutes.  He then went on with a few more minutes of soliloquy on self-love and living life to the fullest (R.I.P to his road manager whom he said passed a few weeks prior to the show).

Case was Case, tantalizing us with his ballads.  He went from blazer to t-shirt, from seated on stage to carousing in the audience. He got much love from the crowd and gave it right back.  Solid performance.

Then there was Ma$e. Yes Mason Betha himself was set to perform.  In the weeks preceding the show I wondered why Mr. Shiny suit didn’t get more of a headline.  His name would be mentioned almost as an afterthought.  I soon found out why.  Mase is introduced, the beat for “Mo Money Mo Problems” fills the room, and the crowd goes wild.  Mr. Harlem World steps on stage, delivers his one verse and it’s over.  Really, that was his “performance.” One verse, a few thank yous and he was gone.  The DJ could have played the instrumental and let the crowd sing along.  But it was nice seeing those dimples again.

For the main event, the group we all came to see Dru Hill!  Yes, Dru is together complete with blond haired Sisqo.  Hiatus has done the boys well, they looked and sounded fantastic.  By now most of us know Woody is no longer part of the group.  Newcomer Tao (Woody who?) fits in perfectly.  The Dru vets fell back and allowed their newest member to showcase his talent solo and the boy can sang!  Jazz still holds his own and Nokio was playful with his purple tipped mohawk.  Sisqo didn’t disappoint; the looks, the sound, the moves. He still has it.  The quartet took their time with classics like “Tell Me,” “Sleeping in my Bed,” and “Beauty”.  That stroll down memory lane has me ready for a new Dru album.

As a whole the show was good.  The few questionable moments were negated by amusing hosts, great entertainment, and a lively crowd.  The 80’s babies came to party and DJ Self delivered.  From the sound of it, this may be the first in a series of “DJ Self Presents…” shows.  I can’t wait to see who will be on the roster next year.

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Pictures Courtesy of KAR Photography

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