The relationship between hip-hop, social justice, and the spoken word was on prominent display at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center on Nov. 20 as poets, MC’s and fans gathered in the Victoria Theater for “Represent!,” an evening that celebrated the intersections of these mediums. The show, hosted by singer and radio personality Miss Jones, featured performances by Chuck D of Public Enemy, Slick Rick, Rakim, the Nuyorican Slam Team and more.
“La Bruja” Caridad De La Luz set the stage for the night, representing the Nuyorican Poets Café and opening the evening with a reading that felt musical — melodic even, before introducing three poets from the café’s slam team: Brittany Barker, Sola Kush, and Jesica “Sumbodies Mama” Blandon. Each poet delivered a reading in their own unique voice, raising questions about womanhood and the Black experience. Raina Simone continued to explore these subjects through her music, delivering a set that highlighted subjects like wealth disparity, race relations, and the dynamics of growing up in an urban neighborhood. Tyehimba Jess, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, lent his voice to the discussion with a reading of his poem “One Black Man’s Prayer for Peace.”
The audience took in the weight and gravity of the performances, illustrating in their approval filled applause how art can be used as a mirror, to cope, and as an escape — the relationship between the audience and the performers grew closer. Rakim took to the stage soon after, as the audience rose to their feet, literally moving the floor as they danced and sang along to the music. At the conclusion on Rakim’s set, Chuck D and Slick Rick joined the rapper onstage to snap a picture together, hugging and smiling as three hip-hop legends greeted each other in front of an awe-struck audience. Slick Rick was then joined onstage by his wife Mandy Aragones and Newark mayor and poet Ras Baraka for a discussion on Slick Rick’s latest album and film, “Victory,” before showing clips of the titular work. Rick then performed selections from some of his most well-known hits including “Children’s Story,” and “La-Di-Da-Di,” which turned 40 this year. Chuck D was accompanied by a live drummer and special guests including MC Half Pint of the group, Son of Bazerk. Chuck took a moment to express appreciation for all the guests, referring to Rakim and Slick Rick as “mentors and teachers,” amidst a set of classics songs like “Bring the Noise” and “Don’t Believe the Hype.” The powerhouse artist who has long used hip-hop as a platform to raise questions about social issues capped off the evening with a performance of “Fight the Power,” summarizing the sentiment of the event in one last powerful “hurrah,” before attendees were invited to a dance party in the lobby.
You can stay up to date with upcoming NJPAC performances at www.njpac.org