This tune was just about as funky as anything I have heard in a while, and it honestly felt good to listen to. The hook, sung by Thrie, was very old school sounding, as Sheriff PJ accentuated the melody with his interjections.
He laid down those rhymes with such finesse, yet the vibe still remained relaxed. “End of the niGht” was really impressive due to Sheriff PJ’s rapping ability. His tone was excellent, and it allowed him to carry the group on slow jams as well as the more upbeat tracks. A standout moment was “Baby Meet My Lover,” in which Elbee Thrie was able to show off his smooth, soul-based vocals. The two vocalists, one singer and one rapper, kept the audience excited as they delivered their rhythm-conscious lyrics. Not only did it remind me of The Roots, who I love, but it also fueled the energy that was emanating from the stage. Due to their funk and soul flavor, it made sense that the vocalists were backed by real instruments. The Brooklyn based Hip-Hop group, Phony Ppl took the stage and immediately brought us some old school, dance-worthy grooves. With that in mind, and good vibes in the air, it was time to start the show. It felt good to be surrounded by so many people from different walks of life. For a moment, I was standing next to a fraternity bro and his girlfriend on my left, a Filipino family on my right, and two women, likely over the age of 65, just in front of me. Not only that, but there was an incredibly wide variety of ages present. Additionally, as I glanced around the room, I noticed the most ethnically diverse crowd I have ever been a part of. If this music was any indication of what was to come for the evening, then I was more than ready to get things started. Some of those epic songs included “Le Freak” by Chic, “Give Me The Night” by George Benson, as well as “I Wanna Be Your Lover” by Prince. There was a DJ playing old school funk and dance music to warm up the crowd. The people were piling into the “standing room only” area, and the seats in back were slowly being filled. Upon entering the venue, a strong red hue took over the entire room. Admittedly, I didn’t know a lot of their music beforehand, but what I had heard, I really enjoyed. After canvassing the block of 23rd and Lexington, online, to get in to Gramercy Theatre, the “SOLD OUT” sign was in view and I began to understand the hype about Hiatus Kaiyote.