It was a night worth cheering. On March 30, 2022, acclaimed Hip Hop artist, producer and mentor James Gardin presented The Home Team Pep Rally live at The Robin Theatre, located in the REO Town section of Lansing, Michigan.
Gardin’s first live show in two years, “The Most Encouraging Rapper in the World” shared the stage with three of his teammates and All of the Above HipHop Academy alum Juice, 5am, and The Player Music. These four talented men expertly supplied the demand, scratched the itch, and fed the hunger of an antsy thriving creative arts community that had been sequestered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Robin’s intimate setting was perfect for the impassioned beats, rhymes, and gratitude expressed throughout the night. It was apparent that everyone in attendance, on and off stage, were elated to be there. We were thrilled for our seat at the full table, and everything served was flavorful.
Juice and 5am are two of the most promising producers alive today, and their eclectic sets showcased why their supporters and fans believe in their futures.
Both musicians also believe in The Player Music, and the up-and-coming MC rhymed skillfully and poignantly over their production during his set. 5am and Juice have scored much of The Player’s growing catalog, a collection of swiftly delivered, often heartfelt lyrics that, on this night, he quite remarkably performed while powering through an asthma flareup.
Gardin headlined the night by taking everyone’s breath away. One of the top 100 rappers in the world today, he told the audience that he was the best of them all. Explaining the confidence-building and competitive benefits of Hip Hop music and its valued culture, Gardin jammed a welcomed mix of his hits including “Joy” and “Complaining”, and even incorporated answers from an audience Q&A into an impromptu freestyle.
The Home Team Pep Rally closed as graciously as it began with Gardin leading the audience in an unexpected sing-a-along of The Gold Girls theme, then him, Juice, 5am, and The Player Music personally greeted everyone post-show. Rah rah sis boom bah! |THIS ENT
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
