Funkmaster Flex held a birthday show as part of the B.B. King Blues Club’s “Hip Hop Legends” concert series. Joining the iconic DJ were a host of NY-centric MCs, including Camron, Vado, Joell Ortiz, Jadakiss, Styles P, Sheek Louch, Capone N Noreaga, Group Home, Jeru The Damaja and a rare-these-days appearance by Ja Rule.
See photos from the Aug. 11 Funkmaster Flex Birthday Show at B.B. King’s
BirthplaceMag.com writer Steven Ortiz, who was in attendance and shot the videos below, noted that while it was a good show overall, “The place was packed solid and it seemed like some great things were gonna happen, but didn’t”. Though the crowd was extremely vocal, Ortiz (no relation to Joell) stated that “it would have been nice to see a Dipset performance or an appearance by Kanye or just some big thing. The biggest thing was Busta Rhymes’ surprise appearance, when he did his “Stop The Party,” Swizz Beatz track.”
Joell Ortiz performed a spirited, but short, set, and joined the heralded Pharoahe Monch as hype man during “Simon Says”.
Sheek Louch, who was on the bill, only rocked one song before, as Steven put it, “BOOM! D-Block was in full effect as Jada and Styles P took the stage as well.”
Bun B performed with DJ Premier on the cut, and Primo played a tribute to the late Guru, of Gang Starr.
DJ Mike Sessions held down the soundscape duties, and other notables included Shaggy and Camron with Vado, headlining the night. Ja Rule put on a well-received performance, though as Steven says, “You kind of thought that Ashanti would materialize, but she never did.”
All in all, Flex once again put on for his city the way he’s done for many years on Hot 97. While the overall night lacked the pizazz of other recent hip hop events, the New York hip hop faithful certainly got a good taste of NYC hip hop legacy.
See photos from the Aug. 11 Funkmaster Flex Birthday Show at B.B. King’s
Photos: Sean Rhinehart/pdpphoto.com
WATCH VIDEO: JOELL ORTIZ – Call Me LIVE @ BB KING’S, NYC 8/11/10
FUNKMASTER FLEX LIVE @ BB KING”S NYC 8/11/10
N.O.R.E. “Banned From TV” verse LIVE @ BB KING’S NYC 8/11/10
CAM’RON – Killa Cam LIVE @ BB KING’S NYC 8/11/10




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