De La Soul @ Leamington Spa Assembly – 6th May 2014

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Tonight is not just a celebration of 25 years since the release of De La Soul’s debut album ‘Three Feet High and Rising’, it is a bouncing party — and there ain’t no party like a hip-hop party.

I had a feeling tonight would be a good night when I bumped into Kelvin Mercer in the car park at the back of the Assembly. Admittedly screaming “Pllllluuuuuuggggg Oooonnnee” across the street and running to nervously shake his hand made me look like a lunatic, but it is not every day you meet a hero and are controlled enough to contain your excitement. I only wish now I had the composure to ask for a selfie: me, myself and Plug.

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As the stunning venue fills up, support is provided by a young DJ whose name I didn’t catch, but whose confidence defies his tender years. He manages to successfully warm up the crowd with a mixture of old and new school rap and hip hop, skilfully choosing a range of pumping rhythms, samples and loops to get the crowd moving. I only notice a couple of mistakes in his set, but even this did not sour his enthusiasm. My only criticism is hearing Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” in the mix, which seems to stand out like a sore thumb with its more pedestrian rhythm and lack of groove; somehow it just doesn’t seem to fit at all. He clearly loves every second and the way he rubs his hands with glee between each track is a great pre-cursor to the joy to follow. If anyone caught his name, can you please comment below as he definitely deserves a shout out.
As the support’s turntables and Macpro are dismantled, De La Soul’s Vincent Mason is seen taking to his own decks at the back of the stage. Without ceremony he then begins, announcing to the crowd he is just checking the sound system and levels. As the beats and scratches flood into the room, you immediately feel the experienced touch of a master DJ. By the time Plugs One and Two, Kelvin Mercer and David Jude Jolicoeur, bounce onto the stage, the energy levels all around increase dramatically.

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Having loved De La Soul’s brand of hip hop since first hearing “Eye Know” in 1989, this is still my first hip hop gig (although I did see The Beatnigs in 1988, but they were supporting Billy Bragg), and I am blown away by the all encompassing feeling of comradery. The laid back style of the band and their banter with the audience makes it feel like we are at a private house party. The lead singers never seem to tire as they lead the crowd through sing offs, lessons in the arm bounce, requests to wave your arms and demands to have fun, despite it only being a Tuesday. It is also touching to hear Kelvin asking the photographers to put down their cameras during the opening songs to join in bouncing, so everyone gets to join the party.

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And party we all do. The beats and joy never stop and despite De La Soul being on stage for 90 minutes, it seems like only minutes. They reminisce about the 25 years since their debut album and celebrate those early days, talking about the cassette and vinyl generation with us as if we all grew up together, which in a way I guess we did.

Towards the end of the show David asks for a show of hands for ages in the room. He is pleasantly surprised to see a lot of under 21’s in the audience as proof their sound still resonates with those who are the same age as the band were when they first broke onto the scene, but saves the biggest cheers and thank yous for those of us over 40. Those of us who may have put on weight and lost hair, but survived to bring up families and still have the energy to do what we love.

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De La Soul’s music is still as fresh now as it was a quarter of century ago. It is still undeniably positive, still quirky, still eclectic and still delivered by three individuals whose joy entertaining is palpable. They are clearly having as good a time as those watching, often breaking up into fits of laughter while performing. The ear-splitting manic laugh of Vincent from “Feel Good Inc” is not just recreating the record, it is real.

The highlight for me has to be “Me Myself and I”, which manages to not only be a faithful rendition of the recorded version but it is more dynamic and more forceful — on its release it was celebrating the rights of the individual in spite of peer pressure — now it sounds like a demand for the right to be different. We are still talking peace and love, but not necessarily holding a flower.

De La Soul are still in the middle of this tour and if you get the chance go and see them. They are an inspiring and totally positive experience.

9 May 2014 – The Aquarium, Lowestoft
5 Aug 2014 – Concorde 2, Brighton
7 Aug 2014 – Rock City, Nottingham
8 Aug 2014 – Sub89, Reading

Review – Al Neilson
Photos – John Dent

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