Rakim, EPMD, Funkmaster Flex Summerstage Concert at Central Park – Recap [Photos, Video]

Rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Central Park audience who came to revel in old school hip hop flavor for the NYC Parks’ Summerstage event featuring Funkmaster Flex, DJ Scratch, EPMD and headliner Rakim.

The park jam, one of several “Salute to Hip Hop” events organized by the Summerstage organization, spanned several hours, a couple of which were punctuated by quick-moving clouds and a breezy omen predicting the downpour that would briefly, but thoroughly, drench concertgoers during EPMD’s set. Nevertheless, the rain couldn’t cool the hip hop fever, and New Yorkers in attendance, along with Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith on stage, collectively dismissed the weather, joining each other in a celebration of some of hip hop’s finest Golden Era veterans.

Click for pictures of Rakim, EPMD and Funkmaster Flex at Central Park

Hot 97 radio icon Funkmaster Flex jumped things off, spinning a mix of music that nostalgically recalled an earlier musical time. Old school hip hop, soul, R&B and 90’s hip hop all reverberated through the park, beats enveloping the trees, vendor booths and audience members nodding their heads with hands in the air, smiling in the musical bliss that fills one’s soul when the DJ plays “that jam.”

As Flex spun, his interactions with the crowd were constant, playing to his audience perfectly. In his recognizable bark, he emphatically shouted out specific New York-centric events, venues, musicians and neighborhoods, making the audience, no matter where they were from, all feel like neighbors in one big hip hop hood.

Turning over the wheels of steel to long-time EPMD DJ and producer DJ Scratch, the vibe changed a bit from party-rocking to showcasing technical wizardry as Scratch several times lived up to his moniker, deftly orchestrating turntable acrobatics that delighted the many in the crowd who grew up respectful of all the pillars of hip hop.

Soon, DJ Scratch’s comrades emerged, at about the time the weather was most threatening, and one of hip hop’s most celebrated duos proceeded to show the audience that they still mean business. EPMD delivered nearly every popular song from their catalog, including “Strictly Business,””You Gots To Chill,” “Jane,” and “So What Cha Sayin.”

Click for pictures of Rakim, EPMD and Funkmaster Flex at Central Park

Halfway through their set however, the rain fell, yet the vast majority of wise New Yorkers were prepared (this writer not being one of them), and umbrellas came out in full force. While this effectively blocked the stage from view for large amounts of attendees, the energy of the performers and thundering basslines could not be hindered by the sheets of falling rain nor the wall of synthetic fabrics designed to repel them.

The rain soon stopped, however, and though the sun struggled to shine again, Strong Island didn’t, as its most revered hip hop export soon touched the stage. Rakim, alongside DJ Technician, proceeded to move the crowd with a performance that was a bit subdued compared to the higher energy levels of EPMD, but nonetheless captivating. Crowdgoers gleefully recited the gritty yet poetic lines that, along with his voice and delivery, made Rakim the transformational rapper that he was, earning him the lofty title of “God MC” from his more ardent supporters.

Regardless of whether or not Rakim resides on one’s Top 5 list, or if EPMD trumps other duos in one’s personal hip hop ranking, those in attendance were able to witness two acts who truly stood alone in their heyday, a time in hip hop where originality reigned supreme. Both EPMD and Rakim were like no artists before them, and in many ways, like none after, and stand tall in the annals of hip hop history, having brought something new and flavorful to the genre’s table.

Judging by the wide age range of those in attendance, the peaceful and positive vibes throughout the park, and by the fact that the crowd remained thick despite the rain, it is safe to say that park jams continue to be a beloved aspect of hip hop in New York.

Click for pictures of Rakim, EPMD and Funkmaster Flex at Central Park

Rakim performing “Paid In Full”

DJ Technician, DJ Scratch and Rakim displaying turntable tactics

Rakim performing “Don’t Sweat The Technique”

EPMD performing “It’s My Thing”