Mohammad Dangerfield, Da Circle – Album Release Party – Recap, Photos, Video

Viper Records’ dual record release party for artists Mohammad Dangerfield (Hasan Salaam and Rugged N Raw) and Da Circle (Fatz Da Assassin and Goodtime Slim), played out more like a giant house party than a record release event. The show, rescheduled from an earlier date due to a February New York snowstorm, showcased the latest releases on the Viper Records imprint.

The LPs, Mohammad Dangerfield’s self-titled Mohammad Dangerfield, and Da Circle’s, 360 Deal, are representative of a large, orchestrated underground movement that is seemingly growing by each tweet and Facebook post, as fans of both groups turned out in large numbers to appreciate and support quality rap music. With both duos intermingling among the fans and an impromptu break dancing session by a group of breakers during Mo’ Danger’s (as they like to call themselves) performance of “Hero Sandwich,” one got the impression that these guys understand what real live hip hop is supposed to be all about.

Salaam, previously named one of Birthplace Magazine’s “5 Reasons Why NY Hip Hop Doesn’t Suck,” (even though he represents New Jersey), and the equally-worthy-of-such-a-distinction, Rugged N Raw, provided those in attendance with the socially conscious, witty and enjoyable lyrics that those who have followed them, individually or as a group, have grown accustomed to. Their material is inviting, (after all, how can I not play “The BBQ Joint” at my next BBQ?) and  Mo’ Danger energetically roared through their set like they could have performed another two dozen songs, inviting guests such as Shabaam Sahdeeq, who joined them on “Writer’s Block.” Formidable talent in his own right, label mate an executive vice president of Viper Records, Immortal Technique openly praised Mo’ Danger’s work ethic, discipline and sacrifice, something Immortal knows a lot about himself, having put out classic material for years without ever going commercial.

Da Circle’s Fatz Da Assassin and Goodtime Slim also provided a quality example of Viper Records and Immortal Technique’s label acumen, delivering their own gritty sound effectively, commanding the mic and really showing good energy and passion. Immortal Technique dropped his fiery lyricism on the vicious track “Napalm,” and overall, Da Circle rocked well, with a style hearkening back to a more vintage time in hip hop, with hard, boom bap beats and lyrical, in-your-face rhymes.

Other than the main events of the evening, SOBs also played host to several supporting performances, including an entertaining Grindtime Live MC battle, an appearance by C-Rayz Walz and a nice short set by Viper artist, Diabolic, who thanked everyone for “supporting that real underground hip hop.”

And that’s what exemplified the March 2nd show, more proof that the underground NYC hip hop movement which Birthplace Magazine helps chronicle is very much alive. Fans eager to listen to raw, fresh rap music continue to support these artists in droves, all without radio play or having their videos in rotation on major video shows. It’s apparent that these artists are doing something right, finding their own lane in a changing music business. The great turnout at these shows only helps to build their confidence to continue crafting quality music. Underground shows can be so much unexpected fun, that you are really doing a disservice to yourself if you can’t make it to one of the many weekly rap shows that hit the city.

While it can be a gamble, part of the enjoyment is really just going in, not knowing what to expect. In this case, I walked out feeling extremely satisfied, and greatly enjoyed these artists graciousness. They were approachable. I personally purchased Mohammad Dangerfield and R N R’s debut LP, Another Level from R N R himself who was working the merch table.

All in all, another wonderful New York City hip hop night, witnessing friendly, hard-working, talented artists with dope beats and rhymes.

See more photos from the March 2nd dual album release for Mohammad Dangerfield and Da Circle at SOBs, NYC.

Purchase Mohammad Dangerfield by Mohammad Dangerfield (Hasan Salaam and Rugged N Raw)

Purchase The 360 Deal by Da Circle (Fatz Da Assassin and Goostime Slim)

Mohammad Dangerfield perform “Rhyme Like No One”

Mohammad Dangerfield perform “Looney Toon”

Da Circle & Immortal Technique perform Napalm