Perfect Your Craft

Micaeh Johnson, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

Every week since January and even dating back to ’06 I have crashed a series called “The Craft.” The premise behind the invite only Craft events is to bring forth MCs and musical artists who are still perfecting their craft with musical talent that are just a little bit further along in their journey. This week, the event took place at Excalibur’s Vision Night Club. Up until last night, I thought I could hang, thought I was cool and thought I knew all of the “already perfected craft” artists but then to the stage was Buckshot and Smiff and Wessun. Who?? Yeah – that’s what I said, but the weekly event that travels from venue to venue knows how to keep ‘em guessing. Who the heck is Smif-N-Wessun? Smif-N-Wessun are 25% of the Brooklyn supergroup Boot Camp Clik, with Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C. They are the group that came after Boogie Down Productions and before a Tribe Called Quest split. After Run DMC and even after the Pharcyde. They pretty much got lost in the wind tunnel of hype, gimmicks and a great time for rap music. But that did not affect their drive, skills, flow and particularly their craft. Every week I have seen true hip hop heads with manners act relaxed while at the Park West for rappers Common and Doug E. Fresh, subtly rock to Slum Village and Dwele not to damage their Cole Haan shoes but bring on Smif-N-Wessun and they are off their feet, lip syncing the words in a dangerous mosh pit with dreads swinging. I couldn’t’t agree more with their approval. Not knowing a single word, I just smiled. But that’s the Craft for you – it’s the students appreciating and learning from the teachers. Next week, Erykah Badu and EPMD. Click here for ticket info.

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