MCAB boasts unprecedented spring concert

Author: Kathryn Flagg

The Middlebury College Activity Board's (MCAB) annual spring concert will present a record three bands this year as hip hop giants Naughty by Nature and vocal percussionist Razhel join Jurassic 5 as supporting acts in the upcoming April show. The show, according to MCAB President David Jackson '06, "will bring together multi-talented hip hop artists from different generations," providing for a big-name concert, despite widespread difficulty among small New England schools in booking large concerts this year.

"This will definitely be the biggest and probably most impressive total concert in MCAB history," said Jackson.

According to MCAB Concert Committee Chair Caroline Brewer '06, after signing Jurassic 5, MCAB began working with their booking agent to generate a list of potential support acts. After the organization had narrowed its list to Naughty by Nature and Razhel, their booking agent suggested that MCAB make offers to both groups. MCAB policy prevents the organization from disclosing the cost of booked acts.

"We met and decided that we wanted to go for it," said Brewer, "so we reallocated some funds and put in the offer."

Brewer continued, "We really lucked out, and definitely owe a lot to our booking agent who really pushed for this to happen. Nonetheless, I think a lot of credit is owed to MCAB, both the executive and the full boards, for their enthusiasm and support."

According to Brewer, MCAB's energy is especially impressive in light of "many discouraging attempts to secure the concert." Jackson previously acknowledged that other New England colleges have struggled this year to track down big-name acts, and noted that some schools have "thrown in the towel" and scratched spring concert plans.

Naughty by Nature formed in New Jersey in 1991 after performing since 1986 as The New Style. The group was originally made up of MCs Treach, born Anthony Criss, and Vinnie, born Vincent Brown, as well as DJ Kay Gee, born Keir Gist. Criss, Brown and Gist attended high school together, performed at talent shows and were discovered by Queen Latifah. Queen Latifah's mentorship prompted the group's change of name and facilitated its first album as Naughty by Nature.

The group maintained a reputation for producing catchy, mainstream pop hits while maintaining credibility with the rap faithful. Naughty by Nature remains well known for its 1991 hit "O.P.P.," a single from their self-titled debut that sampled the Jackson 5's hit "ABC."

The group's other hits have included "Ghetto Bastard," often referred to as "Everything's Gonna Be Alright," and the "hey! ho!" anthem from "Hip Hop Hooray." The group's first two albums went platinum, and their 1995 record "Poverty's Paradise" won a Grammy for Best Rap Album.

Following Naughty by Nature's 1999 album "19 Naughty Nine: Nature's Fury," Kay Gee left the group to concentrate on his production career. Treach and Vinnie have since released two albums, "Iicons" and "Naughty's Nicest."

Razhel, born Rahzel M. Brown, is a hip hop MC who specializes in beatboxing. A well-known member of The Roots, he is also known as "the Godfather of Noyze." Growing up in the Bronx, he was particularly influenced early in his career by artist such as Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau.

Razhel is credited with expanding the art of beatboxing, using both vocal beats and lyrics in his music. His style is perhaps best displayed in his well-known a cappella rendition of "If Your Mother Only Knew," an interpretation of Aaliyah's song "If Your Girl Only Knew."

He released his first album, "Make the Music 2000" in 1999 and, in 2004, followed his debut with "Rahzel's Greatest Knockouts." Also in 2004, Razhel collaborated with Björk and other beatboxers on her album "Medúlla," which utilizes almost no instruments except the human voice.

"We are all really excited about this concert. It will definitely be the biggest show we've had in the past few years, and probably the biggest show in MCAB history," said Brewer.

MCAB's spring concert is slated for April 29. Doors at Kenyon Arena will open at 7 p.m., and Razhel will take the stage at 8 p.m. Razhel will be followed first by Naughty by Nature and then Jurassic 5. Tickets for the show will go on sale beginning April 15, and will be $15 for MCAB cardholders, $20 for students, faculty and staff and $25 for the general public.