BY SIMONE J. SMITH
“Supreme Genes is the human improvement movement and the way of life.” Lord Fury
“Why can’t I find any damn parking!”
I was getting a little frustrated driving up and down Queen St, but to be honest, it was my own damn fault. It was 9:00 pm, and the doors had opened at 7:00 pm, and every time I passed the Opera House, the line seemed to be getting longer and longer.
It was Thursday June 29th, 2023, and the one and only Lord Fury (Supreme Genes General, Sound System Selector, Supreme Cuisine Chef, and the King of “Me nah share”) was once again creating hip hop history here in Toronto. Yep, Lord Fury and the team at Supreme Genes brought the one and only Ghostface Killah (aka Tony Starks) for one night only in concert. Everyone, and anyone who is a true Hip Hop head was there on Thursday.
When I had finally parked, and made my way in, I was instantly transported back to a time when Hip Hop marked a shift towards introspective and socially conscious music. 90’s hip hop introduced new sounds, samples, and production techniques that were groundbreaking at the time. Artists like Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., The Wu-Tang Clan (brap, brap), and Nas were known for their unique style.
Today I am speaking to individuals who grew up during the 90s; we have a strong emotional connection to the music of that era. It reminds us of our youth and brings back memories of a particular time in our lives.
90’s hip hop played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of the time. It gave a voice to marginalized communities and addressed social and political issues such as: racism, poverty, and inequality. Many people appreciate the raw and unfiltered expression of the artists, which resonated with their own experiences and struggles.
Dj Mercilless was on stage, and he was doing an excellent job of selecting tracks that were resonating with the boisterous crowd. Dj Mercilless has always had the ability to understand a crowd’s preferences and mood. As a skilled DJ, he plays music that energizes and captivates. I could feel the energy in the room building as he selected tracks that kept the crowd engaged.
It was a seamless transition, after seamless transition, a technique that DJ Mercilless has mastered, creating a continuous flow of music that kept heads bobbing in the crowd. He was observant and responsive to the crowd’s reactions, and you could tell he was paying attention to the audience’s energy level, body language, and responses.
Of course, Toronto underground hip hop royalty graced the stage. The one Lord Fury, Asun ‘Ace’ Eastwood, and other Toronto hip hop elites brought the fire, and prepared the crowd for what was to come. DJ Mercilless came back to the stage, dropped some more memorable tracks, and introduced Technician The DJ, who then employed techniques to build anticipation and excitement in the crowd. He gradually increased the tempo, helping to keep the crowd warm, introducing peaks and valleys that created dynamic moments and prevented us from burning out.
DJ Technician included unexpected elements in the set: remixes, mashups, genre-bending transitions, he did it all, and he was effective in catching the crowd’s attention and generating excitement. We were all ready for what was to come and then…
Ghostface, Sheek Louch, and Trife Diesel came out and the crowd erupted.
There is a reason why we all love Wu-Tang, and why Ghostface remains a king in the eyes of hip hop lovers. His music has always been characterized by intricate wordplay, storytelling, and clever lyricism. He has the ability to craft vivid narratives and paint a picture of his surroundings, allowing listeners to connect with his stories on a deeper level. This lyrical prowess has been revered by his fans and keeps us coming back for more.
The Ghostface concert highlighted the impact of 90’s hip hop on subsequent generations of artists. Its influence continues to be seen in the music of today, with many artists drawing inspiration from the sounds and styles of that era. I am proud of Lord Fury and the team at Supreme Genes; I expect great things from them this year.
Hip Hop don’t Stop!
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