Rapper King Solomon - a.k.a. Tufts senior Sol Masch - held court last Thursday night at Hotung Caf?©, performing songs from his CD Sezame Street Beatdown. After an engaging set by the show's opening act, Chapman Field Drive, King Solomon and his band took the stage at ten to eleven.
But it was the King's brother, Ezra Masch, who started things off. With his long hair, beard, and Rhode Island School of Design sweatshirt, Ezra warmed up the crowd. "Before, rap was pure, but now it sounds like manure," he noted. Pulling a "slackjaw young'un" from the audience, Ezra introduced a man who appeared to be a stagefright-ridden novice, but was actually King Solomon himself.
With the manner of true royalty, the King was able to get all of Hotung chanting "Ho's on crack" before his live band sounded its first note. Of course, audience members knew not to take the trailer park humor seriously. As King Solomon himself pointed out, "This show's kinda ridiculous..."
King Solomon treated fans to "Smell the Booty," which could easily be mistaken for a cheerleading tune, aside from its raunchy lyrics. Even keyboard player, James, could not help but smirk. This particular song showcased the King at his best - making strange high noises and spinning out clever lyrics at a frenetic pace.
Another high-energy song was "Buttnaked," featuring guest rapper MC Buttnaked, who was, thankfully, fully clothed during his performance. But it was hard to determine whether MC Buttnaked was a real rapper or part of the comedic act, as he seemed a bit awkward onstage.
Inspired by old school rhymes, King Solomon paid tribute to Eddie Murphy by rapping a revised version of "Boogie in Your Butt." Apparently, at least according to King Solomon, it is possible to stuff Tufts and/or an elephant up one's butt.
The highlight of the evening was fan-favorite "Rippin' Off Your Testicles." Guitarist Joe, who traveled from the Masch brothers' hometown of Philadelphia to play the show, added to the song's urgency with his screeching riffs and solo. King Solomon effectively conveyed the anger and mania of the lyrics, while Ezra, with a terrifying, frenzied look in his eyes, expressed the mock seriousness of the number.
There is no doubt that King Solomon is a skilled rap artist who has the ability to change his tone to suit each song. But Ezra's natural showmanship is not to be overlooked, injecting energy and theatrics into the show. Perhaps King Solomon should consider changing the name of his act to "King Solomon and Court Jester Ezra." The dynamic of comfort between the two brothers works to their advantage in comedic improvisations. Ezra is the out-of-control funny guy, while King Solomon functions as the fast-rapping straight man.
Before the comedic musician took the stage on Thursday, local band Chapman Field Drive opened the show with a nine-song set, featuring mostly original material. The pop-rock group was so impressive that it could have headlined the show itself. Lead singer Sara Zelle's voice soared through various angst-filled numbers, comparable to Fiona Apple's lamentations. The band got off to an exceptionally good start with "I'm Here," an original song with a catchy chorus which allowed Zelle to showcase her expressive voice.
The chemistry between the members of Chapman Field Drive was especially apparent in "The Fire." The band seemed to be having a great deal of fun performing for the audience. Drummer Jeff Rakofsky, a Tufts senior, led various tempo changes, while Mike Liebman, another Tufts senior, consistently dazzled the audience with his quick-fingered keyboard style.
"Strip Mall," a song Zelle wrote in her bathtub, had a playful extended ending, with band members alternating solos. There was a bit of "Yankee Doodle," as well as the opening riffs from Aerosmith's "Walk This Way," and various other classic rock numbers. Guitarist Matt Weinscall and bassist David Fisher rounded out the group, adding to Chapman Field Drive's undeniable stage presence.
Together, King Solomon and Chapman Field drive put on a memorable night of music at Hotung. Once King Solomon irons out simple production difficulties - such as microphone feedback and a forgotten set list - he should be able to offer an as-polished-as-you-can-get-for-this-genre-of-music show.
For more information on King Solomon and his CD Sezame Street Beatdown, check out his website at www.sezamestreetbeatdown.com.
