Rock The Bells San Francisco 2007

Words by Corey Bloom

Two years ago, after hitting Rock The Bells in Los Angeles, I swore off hip-hop festivals and oversized shows in general. Long days in the sun, too many people, overpriced everything and ending up watching sub-par performances on a large screen never equated to an amazing day in my eyes. Therefore, I said never again. But once this years bill started filling up I began backtracking on my words. Rage Against The Machine. Nas. Wu. The Roots. David Banner. EPMD. DOOM. Motherfucking Murs and UGK on the same bill!!! Man, I had to go.

I had to, but I would damned if I was gonna pay. After pressing hard for over two months, I got the official nod two days before the event and was set up with a photo pass (peace and props Alexandra, you are the shit). The adrenaline started pumping, and I started to reach the same excitement I had in 1997 when Rage and Wu were touring the first time, which then ended in heartbreak as WU dropped off the tour. That same excitement stalled out when it was announced that Nas, UGK and David Banner weren’t going to be there, and that two days earlier a phony DOOM was caught lip syncing to a San Francisco crowd and thus canceled his show the next day. The thought pass my mind…but nah, I had to go.

After getting off the train I was met by a snaking line of backpacks over a mile long, maybe two. Convinced there was an easier way, I walked the perimeter of the parking lot, as I listened to EPMD rip classic after classic. By the time I finally made it in I was presented with the option of either Sage Francis on the small stage or Kweli on the main…I chose neither and walked around and marveled at people that were already sitting on the concrete with their heads in their laps. The first performance I caught was Bay Area locals Zion I, who never disappoint and once again did their thing as they warmed things up for Murs. Joined by his girlfriend, Murs took stage with his girl taking DJ responsibilities (press play/stop duties). She didn’t look too thrilled, but the 500 people standing in front of him did. He ran through a set mostly filled with joints off his albums with 9th Wonder, with the occasional surprise. The performance was okay, but his shit-talking in between songs made my day. Mos Def was playing at the same time, so I peeled away for a second, but I wasn’t trying to hear “Umi Says” so I bounced back to the entertaining performance. Murs For President, F’Real.

The Roots were up next on the main stage, and as always, they were amazing. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of seeing them because they flip it every time. Joined by a horn section, including a tuba, the group got it started with the two hottest joints off Game Theory, “Game Theory” and “Don’t Feel Right” (Video Clip). The whole crew was dialed in, putting out great music and, better yet, putting on a great show. Unfortunately, The Coup was playing at the same time, which is a prime example of why I hate shows like this. There is no doubt in mind they were dope though, and if you haven’t listened to Genocide and Juice lately, DO IT!

Public Enemy followed, and brought things to a boil. Chuck came out with so much energy you couldn’t help but get pumped. He covered the whole stage, throwing the microphone in the air and running to catch it, jumping up and down and throwing punches. Rappers take note. Straight up and down, Chuck killed it. Flav joined him on stage after a couple of songs to a thunderous roar. Anthrax guitarist and PE collaborator Scott Ian joined for “Bring The Noise” and continued to shred for the rest of the show (I’ve always wanted to, but never had a real reason to say that until now). Everything about the performance was great, and was probably the highlight of the day for me.

Cypress Hill followed as I sought shade and a break from standing. During this time I saw a kid reading Harry Potter, and a kid with his head and arms tucked in his shirt smoking weed. Yes, my friends, Hip-hop was in the motherfucking billin!

Somewhere around this time I linked up with my folks from Quannum and chopped it up with Blackalicous for a minute. We talked about their upcoming projects, solo and group albums, so keep an eye out for those. At that time your boy got laced up with an artist badge, which took me from the stampede to the relaxed confines of backstage. Upon arrival all of the artists on the bill were lining up for a “Great Day In Harlem” type picture. I wasn’t able to catch the final shot, but know that shit’ll be dope.

Wu took the stage around 7:00, and standing directly next to Chuck D (brag on it!) I watched the show from the back. It sounds dope, but a part of me wishes I could have seen it from a frontal perspective. What did fuck my head up though was looking out, and seeing some 60,000 people, 1/3 with their hands up moving as one. That shit is insane, and I can only imagine what it does to an artist. As a group they played all the classics, but the clincher for me was “Fish.” In the end, they put on a stellar performance. It was great to see them all up there together, and was definitely something I will remember.

The show could have ended there and I would have been a happy man, but for the majority of the people there it was just the beginning.

Rage took stage, and people went ape shit. Kids were running from every angle, make shift mosh pits broke out, and dudes rattled the gated beer-garden fence as if it wasn’t their choice to be behind them. Crazy. There wasn’t much of an introduction, as pretty much the lights when out, and Rage came out and fucking rocked shit for 80 minutes. Time apparently hadn’t spoiled the groups chemistry, and while I didn’t catch it personally, the show came to an end with a group hug which gives hope to a new album….

As I headed back the train, I got a laugh at the hundred or so people in line to purchase tickets. I scoffed how they were so quick to fall in the sheepish line as if they didn’t hear or already forgot Rage’s message. I soon learned the joke was on me as we were greeted by a line of police upon arriving at the main transfer station. It was the last straw of irony that was needed to bring the day to an end.

Lastly, enough props can’t be given to the whole Guerrilla Union crew for putting on another great show. You guys out did yourselves for real. Can’t imagine how they will beat this year’s lineup, but I’m confident they will find a way. I’m still in awe of what they’ve accomplished year in and year out.

Photos from Rock The Bells 2007 San Francisco.

Wondering where Part 1 comes from? More Photos?

You didn’t miss it. We just never really had a chance to post the writeup for the NYC performances that were attended by TSS Crew members Drew Ricketts, Ian M. & Jesse H.

So if you want to see an interesting convo that was held afterwards, feel free to check an unedited Consider The Bells Rocked Part 1- Rock The Bells NYC. Also, peep the TSS Flickr Photo Set for Rock The Bells NYC.

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