« How The Grouch Stole Christmas (Show Recap) »

Who: The Grouch, Zion I, Eligh, Evidence, J. Stalin, and hosted by Equipto

What: Annual Christmas run that The Grouch puts on, bringing together some of the dopest underground artists

When: December 12, 2001

Where: The Fillmore, San Francisco 

Why: To celebrate Christmas and to have a good time

This past Monday, The Grouch brought his annual Christmas party into town with a whole host of dope artists. Hosted by Equipto the show lineup included J.Stalin, Evidence, The Grouch, Eligh, Zion I, and DJ Fresh. 

J.Stalin was first to kick it off after the show got pushed back from its original start time of 8 to 8:30. Even though I was most excited to see J. Stalin perform, we missed his performance, because of the early start time. I know the show was on a Monday, but come on guys at least a 9 pm start time for a Hip Hop show. Sorry J. Stallin, I hope you killed it. 

Next up was Evidence of Dilated Peoples. Evidence just dropped a dope new album on Rhymesayers so the crowd was pretty excited to see him do his thing. I would have to say that Evidence killed it doing a mix of the old and the new all while pumping up the crowd. Evidence definately had the loudest sound of the night, with his music shaking all parts of The Fillmore. If you haven't copped his new album Cats and Dogs do it; you will not be disappointed. 

The Grouch, Eligh, Zion I, and DJ Fresh were up next to close out the show. I was a little surprised to see all of these performers do their thing at one time, but it was defiantly dope. The Grouch, Eligh, and Zion I did a good mix of performing each other songs and, there wasn't one artist that hogged the mic. One of the highlights of the closing act was when DJ Fresh and Amp Live took center stage, and had a beat battle. Amp Live had a little bit more crowd energy, but DJ Fresh's skills were undeniable. The Grouch, Eligh, Zion I, and DJ Fresh all killed their set, if you haven't seen any of these MCs, don't hesitate next time they are in your town. 

I have to give a special shot out to Equipto for holding down the hosting spot. It didn't seem like a lot of people were feeling him even though he is the heart of San Francisco. He did a few of his joints in between acts, including Heart and Soul with The Grouch singing the hook.

How The Grouch Stole Christmas is always one of my favorite shows to see. There is a dope mixture of underground artists and good vibes. If the show is coming to your city, make sure you check it out. If you missed How The Grouch Stole Christmas in 2011, make sure you peep it in 2012...well, that's if we are still here.