A concert for the head

Jeff's Joint

By Jeff Khurgel, On-Line Forty-Niner

Wednesday, October 28, 1998

After the last concert I went to, I promised myself that I would never go to another concert in my life unless I sit close to the stage.

The show was Smoking Grooves at the Universal Amphitheater a couple months ago, and all I need to say is that Guru was on stage with a microphone and Primo was in the back with the wheels.

Every hip-hop head's dream right? Wrong. I was angry because almost half of the people in front of me (I was 14 rows back) were sitting down. Only the people in the front two or three rows were going wild, reveling in the live phenomenon.

I have had it. It angers me and I feel sorry for those who were there just because rap music is popular nowadays.

Well screw that, I have been a head since little white kids got teased for listening to rap music and it was the alternative. But do not fret fellow heads, there is salvation and it is at the House of Blues.

At the House of Blues, whoever gets there first gets to stand up front. In other words, the money seats go to the hardcore fans and not to record company execetives, Ticketmaster employees or people who know somebody who works at the venue.

Busta Rhymes sweated on me and accidentally stepped on my finger.

Tash sprayed beer on the front row and I met Black Thought.

The House of Blues is straight-up the best place around to see live hip-hop. It is small, intimate and basically a true head's fantasy.

Speaking of dreams, check this out. A Tribe Called Quest's farewell tour is at the HOB, Dec. 1 and 2. That is right Cal State Long Beach, it is time to represent!