Native Hip Hop Performance

This Monday, Quese IMC and his associate, Shock B, had a hip hop performance at the Lewis Amphitheater.  I honestly didn't know what to expect at this event, so I was very interested in finding out what the show would be like.  At the concert, they started their set by playing Native songs with drums.  I think that it was really awesome that they integrated their heritage into the performance because that isn't a common attribute of a rap concert.
       Tha Native, despite having a much more coarse and intimidating style than Quese, still began his set with a Native bird song.   Both of the artists made a point of telling which Tribe and area they hailed from, as well as giving a shout out to all of the Natives who came out to the show.  However, they didn't want to alienate anyone so much of the theme of their show was about togetherness and the idea of "one".  Quese had a very inspirational and uplifting message, although Tha Native's lyrical content was clearly a direct response to current rap.  His lyrical content spoke of retaliation, substance use, and the struggle of the environment in which the current Native population is placed.  Quese had a presence that was really fun and inspiring, while Tha Native was much more intimidating and harsh in his delivery.  I had a ton of fun at the show and was really impressed with all of the artists.  At one point, Quese had a delivery and flow that reminded me a little bit of Bone Thugs and Harmony.  By rapping with melody and quick flow, Quese's delivery reminded me quite a bit of Krayzie Bone.  It was cool to see how excited the artists were to perform and I think that Native hip hop is a really positive outlet for expression in the Native community.