Positioned between a lingering sun and the soft blades of green grass was the 24th annual Jazz and Reggae Festival held over Memorial day weekend at UCLA’s intramural field.  A cool breeze and the smell of barbecue accompanied students, families and Angelino’s as they rhythmically stepped into the summer.

While the two day line-up consisted of artists and musicians like Q-tip, Raphael Saadiq, Barrington Levy and Bilal, it was the appearance of Damian Marley and Nas that drew my immediate attention.  The two performed songs from their recently released project titled “Distant Relatives” which was accompanied by accolades from the hungry fans.

Nas demonstrated his extensive contributions to the hip hop community by performing choice songs from a catalog that spans over 15 years.  The audience seemed dumb struck and confused as the heavy baseline opening to “Represent,” from his 1994 release Illmatic, poured out of the speakers.

Admittedly I was taken by surprise to hear Nas perform such an underground classic. It wasn’t until the chorus that I fully participated, pushing my fist in the air crooning “Represent, Represent.”

It became apparent by the second song that Nas would be taking us on a chronological journey as the soothing vocal opening of “If I ruled the World” carried across the skyline.  With perfect harmony the journey continued as “Nas is like” produced by DJ Premier entered our auditory glands, followed by “One Mic,” “Made you look,” and “Hip Hop is dead.”

Without hesitation Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley fiercely took the spotlight demonstrating lyrical precision, crowd control, and impeccable vocal tonality.  Listeners couldn’t help but to nod heads, swing dreads, pump fists and swing hips to “Land of promise.”

Marley’s massive dreadlocks swung as his song “More Justice” brought to light the importance of youth advocacy and the perils of poverty.  Suddenly there was a roar emanating from the crowd as “Welcome to JamRock” sprang from the sound system, serving as an example of Marley’s musical prowess.

The “Distant Relatives” project highlights the individual talents of both Nas and Marley while illuminating their dedication to social justice.  In a humble fashion the duo ended their set with a perfectly timed rendition of Bob Marley’s “Could you be loved.”

In addition to the many performers that blessed the stage was a variety of vendors and artists that contributed heavily to the overall experience.  Artists like Mear One and Keenan Chapman provided the visual component, as food vendors provided the necessary stimulants to our taste buds.

Overall the picnic style atmosphere unified the diverse audience seemingly transporting our minds bodies and souls into the heart of reggae music.  As sun dresses and sensimilla smoke floated effortlessly in the wind, one couldn’t help but breath deep and enjoy the absence of time.

Until next year.

OUTSCOUT
UCLAradio.com
“ON The UP”
Thursdayz 10-Midnight