Crib Notes

If the showcase at 595 North was intimate, Common’s concert at the Tabernacle on Wednesday, Oct. 8, with openers Janelle Monae and N.E.R.D., was just the opposite: loud, rowdy and packed to the rafters.

The crowd smashed in thick, angling for spots close to the stage. The look was comfortable fashion, not trying too hard but far from straight b-boy/b-girl apparel. Hardly a hoodie to be seen. In fact, birthday boy Chris Ogbuefi celebrated 25 decked in a black button down, alongside a nearby crew comparing Opi and Essie nail polish.

Janelle Monae

The interlude after Monae’s set and before N.E.R.D. seemed to go on forever, but classics from the Sugarhill Gang, Chubb Rock and Mary J. Blige kept folks content. Speaking of Monae, one guy in the crowd who’d never seen her perform had nothing but “awesome” and “hot” to say, referencing her stage diving and incredible guitarist.

N.E.R.D. blasted onto the stage, sending the crowd mad. The vibe was more rock show than hip-hop, complete with crowd surfing, and a few elbows. The makings of a pit seemed underway. The crowd sang along to just about all the songs, though I was disappointed they didn’t do more of their downtempo stuff, especially “Frontin’.” Toward the end of N.E.R.D.’s set, a few girls made their way on stage. By the end of N.E.R.D.’s performance, the stage looked like a video set, with fake money falling from the ceiling, and at least 15 ladies dancing like they hadn’t a care in the world. Nothing nasty, just good fun.

N.E.R.D.

It didn’t take nearly as long for Common to come out, which he did among a bar-like set up — selecting an “Angel” from the crowd a couple songs into his set, to sit and chill with him. By then he was sweatin’ but had all the necessary breath control, bouncing from one side of the stage to the next. Hardly the laid-back performance you might expect, Common’s energy didn’t wane from “The People” to “You Got Me” to some new tracks that were all uptempo and induced plenty of hand-clapping and dancing. Like the 595 show, he busted some freestyles with political and social references, and even some T.I. Indeed, we are all connected, from Chicago to Atlanta.

(Photos by Tara-Lynne Pixley)

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Submitted by Sahsha Campbell

Tues., Oct. 7

The newly renovated 595 North played host to an intimate concert featuring the flawless vocals of Marsha Ambrosius (formerly of Floetry), a surprise appearance by Mario, who’s hit ”Cryin’” made the ladies scream for more, and the featured act, Common.

He executed classics like “I Used to Love H.E.R.” and “Come Close,” while debuting songs from his upcoming album, Universal Mind Control. In between the scripted songs, he also flowed into a crowd-pleasing freestyle that encouraged concert-goers to vote for change. The event was sponsored by Lincoln.

(Photo by Sahsha Campbell)

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Every rapper in the world should’ve been at Common’s concert Monday at the Tabernacle. They would’ve received a perfect tutorial in Stage Show 101. It was dramatic, emotional, climactic. And not once did he grab his crotch (not that I was looking). He even had several wardrobe changes. What rapper does that? Perhaps his producer/label head Kanye is rubbing off on him a bit.

(photos by Perry Julien)

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