The All-Stars of Hip Hop Invade Atlantic City

By Jason Gonzalez

Frigid temperatures are expected to rise along the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey as rap patrons anticipate the 8th annual All-Stars of Hip Hop concert. This marks the first major show to take place in the Tri-State area in the 2018 calendar. It all goes down on Sunday, January 14 in the house that Arturo Gatti built, Boardwalk Hall.

The promoter, Platinum Productions, has coordinated the event in conjunction with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. In observance of the federal holiday, which would have been King’s 89th birthday, all government offices and schools will be closed on the 15th.

The current state of Hip Hop can be referred to as an “acquired taste”. The older generation may or may not relate to it. But more often than not it seems as if there is a disconnect due to the generational gap between the artists and its intended audience. But as of late there has been a huge demand from the mature connoisseurs of the art and culture, which consists of bringing back that vintage sound of the late 80’s and 90’s back. Its simple arithmetic, wherever there is a demand, there will be a producer of such to supply all of the consumers making the requests.

Scheduled to perform on the bill are one of the original members of Murder Inc., Ja Rule of Jamaica, Queens; Wu-Tang alum Method Man, of Hempstead, Long Island will be rocking out alongside his partner in crime, Redman of Newark, New Jersey. It is imperative to mention that Method Man and Redman have a ‘bromance” that is unparalleled not just in the rap game but in the music industry.

The Blastmaster KRS-One of the “Boogie Down” Bronx will be dropping nuggets aligned to his BDP intellect; St. Louis’ own Nelly will be bringing his “Country Grammar” to south Jersey. It’s fitting that on a weekend of great significance and poignancy for all people of color, Nelly and KRS-One were able to settle their differences, squash their beef for the betterment of the genre, and ultimately touch the same stage on such a historic night. Dr. King would surely be proud of both of them.

This concert also marks Nelly’s first performance since charges of rape were dismissed. Back in October, a woman in the state of Washington alleged that Nelly had raped her while on his tour bus. The accusations were unfounded.

The Philadelphia trio of Three Times Dope will be in the building; for certain they will be informing all of those in attendance of who really is the greatest man alive. And lastly, radio personality and hype man Fatman Scoop of the ‘Big Apple’ will round out the lineup. Fatman Scoop may have some surprises in store.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Boardwalk Hall box office as well as on www.ticketmaster.com. You can reach the box office at 1-800-736-1420. Tickets prices are listed at $107, $82, $62, and $52. Doors open at 7 pm.

Immediately following the concert, an after-party will be held at Bally’s Hotel and Casino from 11 pm-4 am. For more information regarding the after party log on to www.ppshows.com.

E-mail Jason: jg51593n@pace.edu
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