It seems to be the curse of hip-hop shows in TO to have to deal with adversity. Once again, the sound gave significant problems at the beginning of Choclair's set. He stormed out on stage with Solitair, Saukrates, Jully Black and Kardinal Offishall, but no-one could make out what any of them were saying because of problems with the mic. After about twenty minutes and the help of almost every promoter in the city, they managed to sort the problem out and the show went on.

It's really unfortunate that heads in Toronto don't know their own local talent, and don't show the support they deserve. Lil Jazz, recent winner of an ITF showdown in NY started the show off, shocking the crowd with his intricate turnatablism, cutting, scratching and beat juggling proving that TO can represent with the best. Choclair did an incredible show, especially considering that half the crowd just stood around listening to him. He performed several of his older songs such as "21 Years," and "What it Takes," but one of the best moments, is when he burst into his new single, "Flagrant." There were also a couple of tunes from the new album, due in November and titled "Ice Cold." Make sure you check for that album. Based on what I've heard so far, it should be crazy ill.

Mad respect also goes to Back to Basics who were in the house, starting a break session right next to the speakers where we were standing. Everyone who stepped in the circle meant business, and there were some truly amazing moves pulled off.

By the time GangStarr stepped on stage, the mic problems had all been resolved. Primo stood behind the turntables in a goblin mask and sweatshirt, and the moment he took them off, the crowd erupted. Guru and Premier rocked alone for a while, playing such classics as "Words I Manifest," "Work," "Code Of The Streets," and "Step In The Arena." Then they started to bring out the surprise guests and things started to get hectic. Hannibal Stax of Fabidden was first out to help them out with "The Set Up" then Freddie Foxxx and Big Shug stepped out to represent for the Militia. Toronto represented, although many of the young kids there didn't recognize tracks like "Just to Get A Rep."

The moment I had been waiting for all night finally came when Guru called Choclair on stage and the two of them ripped through their new track. I still have no idea what it's called, but I say again that heads are going to go INSANE when that track drops.

Hip hop was definitely up in the Guvernment last night, with everyone, including the initially reticent crowd, doing their part to make the show live. GangStarr seemed impressed with the love they received, so with luck, they and other big artists will be back to perform soon.

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