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Tuesday, December 1, 1998

Outkast keeps crowd on its feet

MUSIC: Hip-hop sounds from album, 'Aquemini,' captivate House of Blues

By Tenoch Flores

Daily Bruin Contributor

Los Angeles got a little taste of southern hospitality Wednesday night. Outkast came to town to perform back-to-back sold out shows at the House of Blues. Riding the success of their critically acclaimed third album, "Aquemini," Outkast provided the hungry crowds with some good-old, down South hip-hop.

The show also featured Los Angeles' own Black Eyed Peas and the new R&B group, MelkySedek. Crowds poured in early, searching for the best spot in the house. In no time, the middle of the floor was taken while some posted up at the bar and others chose the balconies overlooking the stage.

MelkySedek wasted no time in starting and served their purpose well as an opening act. The brother and sister duo (who also happen to be Wyclef Jean's siblings) received a warm response from the crowd who showed appreciation for their soulful performance.

While Sedek played keyboard, his sister Melky heated up the room as she sang with the confidence of a seasoned veteran, rather than a nervous newcomer. Loosing the crowd only momentarily, MelkySedek again showed maturity and regained momentum to finish up strong. Unlike most R&B acts opening at a hip-hop show, MelkySedek received genuine praise for their unique style that differed from the corny formulaic sounds that presently flood the genre.

Black Eyed Peas took the stage to do what they do best: perform in front of a live audience. In fact, it was live performances (mainly across local college campuses) that helped the Peas build a small but dedicated fan base in the L.A. area. While they always draw comparisons to The Roots, (because they both use live bands) Black Eyed Peas have their own distinct sound which is characterized by much more call and response than their Philadelphia counterparts.

Black Eyed Peas's antics kept the crowd excited throughout their set, and they always involved the crowd in their show. Among the songs they played was the Latin-influenced "Karma" and their commercial single, "Joints and Jams," which had the audience bouncing in agreement. The group put on an inspired show as usual and left the crowd feeling as though they had witnessed a classic Black Eyed Peas performance.

After a minor delay, the all too familiar voices of Andre and Big Boi came through the speakers as the two took the stage. Outkast was ready to begin their show. Dressed in what can only be described as a throwback nightmare out of the '80s, Andre remained consistent in his eccentric choice of attire while Big Boi played it low key in an all black outfit.

Almost immediately after taking the stage, the sounds of "Hootie Hoo" poured through the sound system as they ran through the familiar song from their debut 1994 album, "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik." Immediately mesmerized by the sounds of Outkast, the crowd could rarely be brought down off the high they were experiencing.

Keeping the audience satisfied, they jumped right into the song "ATLiens" which gained mainstream attention in 1996 and had the crowd "throwing their hands in the air." The fans enthusiastically chanted and sang along with Outkast until the song ended. Then the band slowed things down with soulful, relaxing "SpottieOttieDopaliscious." As the horns blared, the deejay added impromptu scratches that blended perfectly with the track.

The mood was switched up again as Outkast went into "Skew It on the Bar-B." The hyped track produced the expected reaction as the beat and the duo's vocals carried the crowd. Continuing their high adrenaline set, Outkast performed an improvised version of "Jazzy Belle."

While the original features a soothing, laid-back track, the deejay decided to switch things up as he jacked for other people's beats. Outkast effortlessly rhymed over the beats for "Triumph" and "Deep Cover," and while some in the audience did not seem to recognize the beats, those who did enjoyed quite a treat.

One of the night's minor drawbacks came when members of Outkast's extended "Dungeon Family" got to play a few songs. While the crowd still enjoyed the performances (especially the one put on by Witchdoctor), everyone waited for Outkast to get back on the mic.

After letting their partners perform a few cuts, Outkast took back the show and didn't disappointed again. Andre and Big Boi took it back to their first album with the songs "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" and "Player's Ball," which featured an alternate beat to complement Andre's vocals.

Moving along in chronological order, "Wheelz of Steel" and "Elevators (Me & You)" were next on the menu, as the audience was supplied with two of the group's best songs from their 1996 album "ATLiens."

The crowd's reaction seemed to peak at these two songs, but once again, the members of Outkast topped themselves by ending the nights performance with their current single, "Rosa Parks." Very few members of the audience were left standing still when this song came on, as everyone seemed to agree that this was the song to end the night with.

Not one of the groups performing at the House of Blues lacked enthusiasm as they all delivered top-notch performances. Outkast's show in particular proved especially satisfying due in part to the innovations they create, making the experience different from just listening to an Outkast album. Marred only by minor inconsistencies (including the occasional microphone feedback), Wednesday's show at the House of Blues provided a more than adequate pre-Thanksgiving meal as no one left the House of Blues feeling hungry.

Andre Benjamin of Outkast performs at the House of Blues.

Photos by MICHAEL ROSS WACHT/Daily Bruin Senior Staff

Melky of MelkySedek sings as opening act for Outkast.

MICHAEL ROSS WACHT/Daily Bruin Senior Staff

Apple.d.app of Black Eyed Peas performs at the House of Blues.

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