Photo by Derick Daily
It is hard to say what the most exciting aspect of the evening is.
On the one hand you have a selection of records that have pretty much defined music for the last 30 years. On the other you have two of the most gifted turntablists performing a love letter to their ultimate hero, and one of the original DJs that helped create the culture, music and skill that have come to define hip-hop and dance music over these same decades.
DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist openly admit time and again throughout the evening that without the record collection of Afrika Bambaataa, which they are currently touring with, they would not be here today. But in the same breathe they are also saying that without Afrika Bambaataa and what he did with these records, they would not be here today also.
Bambaataa’s shadow looms large over DJ Shadow and Chemist and what they do, and his collection is a fascinating history of rhythm. Genre and style bothered him not; as his own track suggests he was simply ‘Looking For The Perfect Beat’. And DJ Shadow and Chemist are no different.
So with the collection at their disposal they could simply turn up, and in David Mancuso’s eccentric style simply play all the records from start to finish. This would have still been a brilliant evening, as all the records are historic and exciting enough to hold everyone’s attention, but these two are no Mancuso, their childish glee and playfulness is apparent from the moment they walk on stage. This is not a night for reverence, it is a celebration.
The set is split into three mixes, each with a particular focus on what makes this collection so amazing. The first focuses on the funk and soul that was the bedrock of the scene. The rhythms that truly inspired the movement, these are hip-hop’s original call to arms.
The second highlights what separated Bambaataa from his peers, which ultimately was his fascination with all rhythm and his desire to push music forward. Playing the records he discovered from all over the world and in all other genres. Focusing on his fascination with Krautrock (Kraftwerk feature heavily, second only to James Brown) to his love of synth music and electronica.
Finally they close with a set of ‘bangers’ in its purest sense, throwing in all the ultimate records in the collection. This where you find cuts like the Incredible Bongo Band’s ‘Apache’ or Babe Ruth’s ‘The Mexican’, and a plethora of James Brown records.
Yet despite the impressive tracklist, and the excitement, it is the skill of what DJ Shadow and Chemist do that is truly mesmerising. They are telling the story of the foundation of hip-hop, but not as a history, instead they are bringing to life the excitement of the scene’s foundation in New York all those years a go.
This is a glimpse into what really had everyone so excited. These tracks and how you use them are what inspired a generation. They changed the world, and bringing them to life in this way truly shows why this was the case. It is the only real way to pay homage to the history on display here this evening. After this tour the records will be returned to the vaults and Cornell University never to again move people. DJ Shadow and Chemist realise this, and are giving them a sending off befitting the joy they have brought to the world over the years.
What is most joyous about the night is not that everything sounds so familiar, or that these records are the building blocks of music for so many scenes and genres. They are tried and tested, well-worn tropes and rhythms that have informed all around them. The joy actually comes from how vital every record still sounds. The energy and exuberance of these records has not faded with time. They remain as infectious and powerful as ever. This point cannot be understated, every track sounds as powerful today as it did the day it was released.
They have inspired generations, and in many cases have a reach and influence that far exceeds their own recognition. Most people here tonight will recognise every break and sample, but probably no one could name all the original tracks.
Also it must not be forgotten that the skill in what DJ Shadow and Chemist can do with the most basic of equipment is a marvel. They can take even the simplest rhythm and cut and loop in ways that seem almost impossible to comprehend. They have an almost telepathic connection, and seem to intuitively feel the music and the rhythms, bringing things to the boil time and again yet never losing control. Sometimes it’s impossible to fathom exactly how such a beat or tune can lead to another. Yet the solution always stuns and makes you wonder at what on earth will happen next.
Tonight is more than just two men playing their favourite vinyl records. Or even playing a great vinyl collection. What it is is two brilliant men playing everyone’s favourite record collection, and what could be better than that.