Review: Slick Rick Live at The Shrine

On Friday night The Shrine kept the Halloween festivities going as it hosted one more celebration of the holiday with a special appearance from the incomparable Slick Rick.

The night was already high in energy so it was only that much better that the house DJ added to that momentum by spinning partying tunes from the likes of Tupac, Biggie, and even Vanilla Ice, among others. Given the festivities, the club was filled with plenty of people in costumes like Hulk Hogan & Super Mario characters, but it was especially cool to see those who took inspiration from Hip Hop and R&B artists. In the house we had people that dressed like Eazy-E, Tupac, Jam Master Jay and even Slick Rick, right down to the gold chains and blinged out eye-patch. Some of the highlights of the night included the times when the DJ spotted people dressed like these icons and played their music. Je like playing “The Humpty Dance” for the guy dressed as the Digital Underground lead singer, playing “What About Your Friends” “Scrubs” and “Waterfalls” for the 2 sets of women dressed as TLC, and “Push It” for the ladies dressed like Salt-N-Pepa.

When Slick Rick’s DJ took over control of the speakers, the club was treated a short Michael Jackson medley to help introduce the legendary Slick Rick “The Ruler.” His appearance was just about an hour long with a set that included all the hits. Fan- favorites like “Mona Lisa,” “The Show” and “La-Di-Da-Di” were all part of the set list and The Shrine really start to move for these classics. For the final song of his performance, Slick Rick took off his glass and switched to his signature eye-patch to perform “Children’s Story.” Although the set was a bit shorter than we’re used to, the hits-packed performance that Slick Rick put on sure delivered on everything long-time fans were hoping to get.


Photos by Quayvo Shots.

Review by Oscar O (via Pursuit Of Dopeness)

DJ Questlove: A Night At The Shrine (by Cam Be)

DJ Questlove: A Night At The Shrine from Cam Be on Vimeo.

a Camovement by Cam Be

A glimpse of Questlove recently DJing at The Shrine Chicago

Song: Daft Punk feat. Pharrell - Get Lucky

Review: Rakim Live at The Shrine

Last Thursday, October 17, we finally got to see Rakim perform live at The Shrine. After a troubled attempt sidelined the legendary emcee from appearing at the club a month ago, this time around we were treated to the great night of Hip Hop we were all hoping for.

Talib Kweli was in charge of getting the party started with a DJ set, playing the hits from all eras that night. The Shrine is one of those few clubs in the city that still breathes the culture of the early days of Hip Hop, and that is why dance circles forming throughout the floor is a commonplace and more than welcome thing. Dancers of all generations and all levels (from amateurs to long-time vets) were breakdancing as Talib manned the DJ setup on stage. Another great thing was that those who were not able to see the spinning and popping of the breakdancers in the crowd were able to see a dancer showing her best moves on stage while the music played. Talib’s set was all over the Hip Hop map with tunes from A Tribe Called Quest, Fabulous, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Big Pun and Jay Z all making the cut.

When Rakim finally hit the stage, The Shrine lit up and roared for “The God Emcee.” Rakim started off by excusing his last failed appearance at the club and promised to make up for it, and lucky for the fans in attendance, the man lived up to it. In between tracks, the NY rapper talked about enjoying the city of Chicago, the problems that go with being out in the city, and even showed off his “beast” (the miniature dog his wife had brought to the show). As far as the music went, Rakim played some of his more contemporary material, sang to the ladies in the crowd, and finished off with the “classics.” Tracks like “I Know You Got Soul,” “Don’t Sweat The Technique” and “Paid In Full” were the shining moments of the night and hearing them performed live made up for that “lost” show from a month ago. To end the night, Rakim brought Talib Kweli and helped him perform his hit song, “Get By.”

With all that went down that night, this was clearly one of those great nights for The Shrine.

Review by Oscar O (for Pursuit of Dopeness).

Review: KRS-One Live at The Shrine

Friday night, October 12, 2013 was one of those nights that truly encompass the culture of The Shrine. Reggae group Dub Dis, Reggae/Hip Hop-fusing group Illuminati Congo and the legendary KRS-One were all on the bill and they represented all that this club is about, giving us a great night of Reggae and Hip Hop that got the packed-house crowd moving and having a good time from start to finish.

Dub Dis got the night going with a good set of Reggae music. The group set the mood perfectly with a chill vibe that instantly got the people in attendance grooving. The house DJ kept the party going in between sets by excellently mixing classic and contemporary Hip Hop tracks that resulted in dance circles and breakdancers showing off their best moves.

The second-to-last act was Illuminati Congo, who brought their signature blend of Reggae and Hip Hop and absolutely lit up the stage at The Shrine. The chill grooves of their beats were great for the ears but lead singer Jahn The Baptist’s ferocious delivery of line after line of socially-charged lyrics (and the occasional track about a particular plant that plenty of those in the crowd were familiar with) were an excellent sonic combination. The group finished their set with a truly unique fashion, bringing on The Shrine’s own Mr. GreenWeeds to spit a couple of lines as did a couple of men standing in the crowd who did a great job of their own on the mic.

When it was time for KRS-One to hit the stage, the club was filled with an inexplicable vibe that was felt in the air that night that very well may have been the result of the anticipation that builds for seeing a Hip Hop legend. Once the Bronx native hit the stage, the man was electric during live renditions of classics like “Step Into A World (Rapture’s Delight)” and “Sound of da Police” as well as freestyles. KRS-One preached to fans about being better prepared in life, stopping the violence in the streets and most of all he spoke about appreciating the art of Hip Hop.

With his presence alone KRS-One made it worth the trip to The Shrine, seeing him perform live made it a complete Hip Hop experience.



Photos by Tito Garcia.

Review by Oscar O (BKA @PursuitOfDopeness)

Review: Curren$y Live at The Shrine

Review: Curren$y Live at The Shrine

Last Thursday The Shrine hosted another great edition of Heineken's Red Star Access series with Curren$y serving as the headliner. With sets from Caleb James, Lucci Vee and Thelonious Martin & co., the bill was enough for anyone to get excited about and thankfully the show lived up to expectations.

The first performer of the night was Angel Davenport, fresh off of working with storied Hip Hop artist Tech N9ne. Angel was dynamic on the stage, delivering strong vocals and her rapping skills were equally as impressive. The next performer up was Lucci Vee, who had undeniable stage presence and gave a good performance. Vee even brought out fellow Chicago scene lady of Hip Hop Chella H, who lit up the stage to perform a track. She finished her set with her latest track "Pass Out," bringing an end to her entertaining set.

Breaking the streak of female performers was Giftz, who came to the stage with a heavier tone than what we heard with the previous acts. Boasting songs off his latest mixtape, Position Of Power, Giftz brought the raw energy of the booming local scene and got the crowd jamming, to say the least. Following him was another local artist that's generating a lot of buzz, that being Save Money's Caleb James. James' set heavily relied on songs from his latest release, The Jones, like "Flexin" and "6am" during which he even took the time to pass out drinks. His strong set was evidence enough that he's someone to continue following.

The sub-headliners included some of the brightest young artists of the vibrant local scene with Thelonious Martin (who was also celebrating his 21st birthday with us that night), Peter Cottontale and Stix coming together to put on a great display of their talent. King Thelonious' beats were soaked in cool, Stix absolutely rocked on drums and Peter Cottontale's sweet keyboard work all came together well and it was a real sight to see.

Finally it was time for the night's headliner, Curren$y. The New Orleans native got the crowd riled up by playing his fan-favorite tracks like "#JetsGo," "Sixty-Seven Turbo Jet," "Mary" and "Elevator Musik." Jet Lifers were treated to a good, chill show that only Curren$y can deliver. The fans were feeling it in both rooms of The Shrine and Curren$y's performance demonstrated just why his music is so beloved among this crowd.

A special shout-out goes to Heineken for assembling yet another good showcase in the latest edition of their Red Star Access series.

Review by Oscar O
Photos by Tito Garcia.

Review: Jeremih live in concert on Sept. 27th, 2013

Last Friday night (September 27) The Shrine hosted a great night of music with performances from Marwan (Soulflow), Runway Bella, Assata Jones and the man everybody was there to see, Jeremih.

The ladies were dressed good enough to catch the eye of the show’s headliner, and with Heineken on hand to help fuel the night, the show was set to be a great one. Jamal Smallz was the DJ in control of keeping The Shrine alive and he did so in great fashion by mixing tracks from the likes of Biggie, Kanye, The Weeknd, and Jay Z.

The first artist to hit the stage was Marwan (Soulflow), a Decatur, IL native who brought his R&B sound to Chicago and got the party going. His neo-Soul stylings were a good mood setter for the night, bringing energy to the stage and getting the crowd grooving.

The next act to the stage was Runway Bella, a tall beauty from our city who provided a good change of tempo and livened the club with her Hip Hop set. Her attitude and stage presence was felt throughout the crowd, helping build the anticipation for the headlining act. Performing as the sub-headliner was another Chicago act, Assata Jones. The songstress brought us back to the R&B sound, slowing things down and filling the club with a sultry vibe.

Finally, it was Jeremih’s turn to light up The Shrine. The hit singer performed with a live band, which made for a stronger set and added more energy to his show. The R&B star performed his hit songs such as “I Like,” “Down On Me,” and “Birthday Sex,” all of which got the club moving. He finished his set with “You Know What I Like,” a track that will appear on his new, Diddy-produced album titled Thumpy Johnson.



Review by Oscar O (BKA @PursuitOfDopeness)

The HighLife Saturday Promo Mix

New promo mix by DJ DEE MONEY.

Featuring Hip-Hop, Afrobeat, Zouk, Kwaito, Azonto, HIPure, coup decale, dancehall and reggae!

New music from Curren$y - BALES | Curren$y live at The Shrine on Oct. 10th

As promised, Curren$y and Young Roddy team up for their 11-track mixtape titled, Bales. The smooth title track, produced by Harry Fraud hit the Internet earlier this week featuring both New Orleans' natives at their finest. Sonically, the project is maintained by Fraud, Mike WiLL Made It and King Thelonius. Spitta Andretti and Young Roddy primarily tag-team the beats together but they are joined by Juvenile on the track "Mo Money." Earlier this month, the Jet Life gang dropped off their compilation Red Eye, which included additional members of the high flying collective. Sit back, light up and enjoy their new joint Bales below:

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Lottery by The StepKids

Not much to say here guys n' gals but this song is plain ol FUNKY! The production reminds me of Donald Fagen (Steely Dan). I hope to hear more great music from this band.

Tree will be performing live on Saturday, Aug 3rd. FREE ENTRY w/ RSVP www.theshrinechicago.com | Also feat. BIG ONCE & Dave Mata!

Lupe Fiasco – Lamborghini Angels, ITAL (Roses), & Audubon Ballroom [VIDEO TRILOGY]

Lupe Fiasco drops “#1234″ a must see video trilogy featuring “Lamborghini Angels,” “ITAL (Roses),” and “Audubon Ballroom,” off his last album Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1. Directed by Alex Nazari.

Lupe Fiasco - #1234 from Alex Nazari on Vimeo.

Dwele: Under The Influence - Friday, July 12

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Friday, July 12th The Shrine presents "Dwele: Under The Influence."

This exclusive DJ set features Dwele spinning records from the past, present and future.

DO NOT MISS THIS.

Doors open 9pm.

1st 25 tickets only $10.00

BBE presents BANG! Mixed & Created by DJ Terry Hunter

Perhaps no star in the constellation of soulful house music shines brighter these days than that of multi-talented DJ, producer and remixer Terry Hunter. Since Terry's 2007 release of the instant classic “Wonderful” featuring Chicago songstress Terisa Griffin, Terry has continued to have the magic touch, adding his much sought after remix and production skills to projects with the likes of Marsha Ambrosius, Barbara Tucker, Kathy Brown, Angela Johnson, Avery Sunshine, Kenny Bobien and many more. All while maintaining his break-neck international DJ schedule.

Born and raised and still living in Chicago, Terry had a vision in 2011 to fill a surprising void in Chicago's house music landscape--a hot weekly house music party emphasizing new soulful house music. Enter Bang Sunday at Chicago's Shrine nightclub. Like its legendary weekly Chicago ancestors the Warehouse, Power Plant and Music Box, Bang Sunday quickly established itself as THE weekly destination for soulful house music lovers in Chicago. Every Sunday atBang, Terry presides over a packed house of soulful house music devotees, and shares the stage with local and international guest DJs and performers such as Louie Vega, Black Coffee, Joe Claussell, the Chosen Few DJs, Bucie and Josh Milan.

In this exclusive mix CD, Terry Hunter's first for BBE, Terry seeks to transport the listener to the Shrine's high energy dance floor on a typical Sunday night. As they say in Chicago, "Bang is a state of mind, a state of sound, a state of dance." There's no argument here.

Beres Hammond live at The Shrine on August 19th 2013

BUY TICKETS HERE!!!!!!!




Beres Hammond: One Love, One Life Tour comes to Chicago!

Reggae legend Beres Hammond live in concert on August 19th, only at The Shrine.
Doors open 9pm.

1st 50 tickets at EARLY BIRD/Discount Price!

Ages 21+

BUY TICKETS HERE!!!!!!!

New music from Omar, titled "The Man".

"When I grow up, I wanna be like Omar" - Stevie Wonder

There are precious few, if any contemporary UK artists whose creative credentials and influence extend as far and so consistently wide as Freestyle Records' most recent signing Omar. Since first breaking through to worldwide renown all the way back in 1991 with his first releases on Gilles Peterson's seminal Talkin' Loud label, and since going on to work with all manner of musical legends including a certain Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Angie Stone, Syreeta Wright, Common, and Carleen Anderson.

Omar returns with a brand new album that many say is without doubt the strongest of his entire career. The buzz generated by the single release of the album's title track, The Man, confirmed beyond doubt that Omar is very much at the top of his game, with everyone from BBC 6 Music's Gilles Peterson, BBC Radio 2's Trevor Nelson and Jamie Cullum giving both major support and high praise for the simply magnificent new high point for Omar's renowned ability to write devastatingly catchy melodies.

Across the rest of this new album, opener Simplify sets the template, with its luscious and majestic string backed introduction raising the curtain on this deep, hard grooving number. Omar also joins forces with Germany's Hidden Jazz Quartett on High Heels - growling organ spars with the tough, jagged drumbeat on this tough, funk driven collaboration. Elsewhere, latin textures and rhythms have always been part of Omar's far reaching musical vocabulary, and on Come On Speak To Me and Ordinary Day restless south American beats underpin the crisp and fresh melodies.

Soul II Soul's Caron Wheeler offers her distinctive voice on the duet Treat You, allowing these two legendary voices to unite beautifully. Completing the circle that began all the way back in the early 1990s, Omar has re-recorded his classic love song There's Nothing Like This, which this time features bass player to the Gods Pino Palladino. The touching sentiment remains undiminished, but the addition of soaring strings, soulful, jazzy horns, a vibrant live and acoustic feel, plus an extended and new arrangement.

This album will surely become known as the most eclectic, confident, mature and soulful album of his career. After all, Stevie Wonder knows, Erykah Badu knows... and now everyone knows; Omar is The Man.

UPCOMING REGGAE SHOWS AT THE SHRINE!

Upcoming Reggae/Dancehall Events -
Sundays - Rocksteady is EVERY Sunday 10pm - 2am.
Thursday, May 23rd - Mavado live in concert.
Wednesday, May 29th - Julian Marley + Richie Spice.
Sunday, June 2nd - Stone Love (feat. Rory).
Friday, June 14th - Konshens live in concert.

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!!!!!

Richie Spice live at The Shrine Chicago on May 29th - special message

RICHIE SPICE DROP (LIVE @ THE SHRINE 5.29.13) from The Shrine on Vimeo.

BUY TICKETS NOW (CLICK HERE)!!

Konshens live in Chicago June 14th at The Shrine

SEE KONSHENS LIVE!!

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!!

Pusha T x Kanye West - Numbers On The Boards

New music from Pusha T & Kanye West.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

Eric Roberson live on May 30th, 2013

This is the 1st announcement for our 4 Year Anniversary!

Get tickets now (CLICK HERE).

D'Angelo & Questlove live in Brooklyn, New York

Swiped from RappersIknow site!!!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!

SETLIST:

01) Go Back To The Thing / Let Me Have It All (Sly & The Family Stone)
02) Cosmic Slop (Funkadelic)
03) Woman’s Gotta Have It (Bobby Womack)
04) The Line
05) You Caught Me Smilin’ / Africa Talks To You “The Asphalt Jungle” (Sly & The Family Stone)
06) Tell Me If You Still Care (The S.O.S. Band)
07) Our Love Has Died (Ohio Players)
08) The Root
09) Really Love
10) Alright
11) Mother’s Son (Curtis Mayfield)
12) New Position (Prince)
13) Africa
14) encore break
15) Lady


credits:

released 24 March 2013

Photo via Okayplayer.

Photos from Yasiin Bey at The Shrine - March 2013

A man of many names (Yasiin Bey, Black Dante, The Mighty Mos Def, Boogie Man, etc) gave an amazing performance last night on 3/15/13.

On stage for about 2 hours, Yasiin Bey performed new songs, old songs and even an unreleased song produced by Kanye West. Check out these photos! - Jay Sabur

Photos by Tito Garcia & Quayvo Shots.