Detroit’s King Gordy succeeds with bass lines, lyrical content

This archived article was written by: Chase D’Ambrosio

It came and went and made a big impact on those who attended.   “The 2007 Hip-Hop/Rap Festival” Presented by 107.9 The Edge and DJ Otherwise was not what most expected but considered a major success none the less.
On September 8, the College of Eastern Utah was graced with a sound and style uncommon to that of what is ordinarily seen in Price, Utah.  Throughout the day rap artists were in and out of the BDAC completing their sound checks, free-styling in the parking lot and preparing for a night of entertainment, curious as to what the outcome would be.
As many expected, the concert was a complete success in every aspect of the word.   Five rap groups, all of which were equipped with a completely different style than the one before, came together and presented fans with a night full of troublefree entertainment, proving many people wrong. The show began at 7 p.m. and opened with two local rappers with a style similar to that of The Insane Clown Posse. Although the two artists shared a different style than what most perceive when they think of rap, the artists got on stage and held their own against a curious crowd and displayed the diversity amongst the rap culture.
Next on the roster was the 801 Klique from Price/Rose Park, Utah, who came out and completely ripped the mic.   The 801 Klique presented themselves first by performing one of their solo songs “Gasp for Breath”, and then showed the collaboration with the Lake Area Playaz with their track “Get Hyphy Get Crunk” featuring Down-Low of the L.A.P.   Their next song which is titled “Missing You” was originally written in remembrance of their brother that had passed away, but was altered for the show to express their condolences to everyone who had lost someone that they cared about.   Many fans held their lighters in the air it proved that this song was a major highlight of the evening.
The next group to rip the mic was The Lake Area Playaz from Rose Park, Utah, consisting of D-Low, C-Nova, Charlie Brown, Big Andy and special guest appearance by Mike Shiest.   The Lake Area Playaz came through and got the entire crowd acting like fools.   With their playa like ways and crazy antics on stage. they laced the crowed with a sense of energy that could not be surpassed throughout the night.   Highlights of their act were the party anthem “Homie Hopper” and the Salt Lake City anthem “Throw’ Em Up” shouting out towns such as Rose Park, Price, Kearns and Salt Lake.   With a strong sense of hometown and Utah pride. The Lake Area Playaz put on a show like no other, touching bases with the fans and even getting rushed by fans as soon as they got off stage.
Hip hop and rap, although commonly mistaken to be identical to each other. have actually proven to be completely different.   Hip hop originated in Africa and tends to consist of slower more rhythmic beats laced with deep intellectual lyrics (www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/hip+hop).  
Colorado’s The Degenerate Saints came on after L.A.P and continued to prove the diversity amongst the show with their hip-hop style.   The Degenerate Saint’s smooth style seemed to be quite the success at the show and allowed them to reach out to fans expressing their strong political views, social views, as well as their views on life.
The Hood Cartel also known as THC stemming from Phoenix, Ariz, was perhaps the most highly anticipated act of the night and proved to the crowd that they had every reason to be.  
With their high energy performance and lyrical content consisting strictly of the street knowledge which they know so well, they were able to touch the fans and truly express themselves through their performance.   Playing some of their tracks off of their debut album, “Nothing but Bangaz” as well as a lot of unreleased material they put on an incredible show.  
“The best part of THC’s act is when they jumped off the stage and interacted with their fan’s even shouting individual fans out on stage.  Their highly energetic stage performance and their interactions with the fans proved that they wanted to be there and that they were doing it for all the right reasons,” according to Donnie Byrge.  
The Hood Cartel was happy with the turnout and the love in which they received inside and outside of the concert, causing them to want to come back and do it all over again if the opportunity presents itself. The headline artist King Gordy of Detroit Mich., proved to fans why he is the proclaimed king of horrorcore.   With his elaborate entrance to the song “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton, King Gordy professed himself as a rock star and that it was time for the rap show to end and for the rock show to begin. With his hard hitting bass lines, electric guitar riffs and dark lyrical content, Gordy put on an insane show that could be heard for miles around.   He hit the tracks with an energy and stage presence unlike any of the other artists before him, making himself a worthy headliner. Gordy nearly tore the house down with his monstrous vocals and twisted thoughts, giving the fans a show unlike any other they will experience again.  
Throughout his set Gordy proclaimed how much he loved Utah, and thanked the fans for the love which they had given him, proving himself a most humble person.
“The 2007 Hip-Hop/Rap Festival” was the first major rap concert to come anywhere close to Price, and proved that rap is more of a cultural phenomenon then what most would like to accept.  
For three and a half hours there was pure non-stop entertainment with no signs of fighting, drugs or trouble of any kind, proving to be a success in the eyes of everyone.   Although the crowed was smaller than what many of the artists are used to, they considered it a success and said they would be happy to come back and do another show in Price if ever given the chance.