The Roots, John Forté, and Rakim to perform at Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Jazz festivals are starting to become a dime a dozen globally, but that does not mean that you should miss arguably the greatest of them all, the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
In its 31st year, thousands flocked to this Quebec island to get their head-noddin’ on at this remarkable music extravaganza from all over the world. And don’t get it twisted—the music is not all piano and trumpets; especially when it comes to Hip-Hop.
Yep, in the past three years alone, GZA and RZA came through and revisited the classic Liquid Swords album; De La Soul proved they are timeless and Public Enemy (yes, with Flavor Flav) celebrated the 20th anniversary of their seminal It Takes A Nation of Millions project by performing all 16 tracks live.
In 2010, it’s no different. From June 25 through July 7, the Montreal Fam continues to show love for the break beats and microphone fiends by featuring The Roots, John Forté (yep, the producer and rapper who was down with theFugees), and arguably the best to ever do it, Rakim.
To add, the most sampled man in history and original funkster George Clinton slides through, and self-proclaimed Hip-Hop junkie, pianist Robert Glasper, makes his second appearance in four years.
If you don’t know Glasper is, look him up. Jay-Z, Q-Tip, Mos Def, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, Maxwell and a roster of other musical beasts have collaborated with R.G., and he is doing three sets including one with the incredible, uncanny Philadelphia crooner Bilal. Whoa!
Be sure to stay tuned as HipHopWired.com gets the passport stamped and sends yours truly to cover a few of the shows, including flicks, video and exclusive interviews.
For more information, check out www.montrealjazzfest.com. (By the way, The Roots did their thing on Wednesday night!)
