Leroy Smokes CD Release at Fine Line Music Café on 6/22/06

By: Andrea Myers

There is something unique about attending a Minneapolis hip-hop show, regardless of the group; a feeling of unassuming camaraderie and positivity that lets each participant - whether on stage or in the crowd - know that they are accepted. The Leroy Smokes CD release party at the Fine Line was no different, with a long string of local hip-hop notables taking turns rapping on stage and sauntering through the room to mingle with guests.

By 10:30 the floor and balcony of the Fine Line were completely full, and a considerably large group of people had already made their way to the dance floor to revel in the lights and sounds of the opening acts. And with a line-up that included Maria Isa, Muja Messiah, Kanser, Golden, Truth Maze, and I Self Divine, there was plenty for the crowd to be happy about. Despite all of the talent and energy in the earlier part of the evening, however, nothing could match the excitement that shook the room as Leroy Smokes took the stage.

The seven-piece hip-hop outfit was performing in celebration of their third album, Love Hustle Theater,
a catchy, accessible disc of tunes that range from danceable, should-be radio hits ("Inside Out," "Radio") to dark, funky jams ("Be Easy," "Inscent"). And even though their new record is worthy of a myriad of praise on its own, it's the way that the band comes to life on stage that makes Leroy Smokes a must-see Minneapolis hip-hop act.

As if on cue, a miniature party erupted on the dance floor as Leroy Smokes began their set, and both dance moves and alcoholic beverages were flowing smoothly. As with other live musician-backed hip-hop acts like Heiruspecs and Omaur Bliss, the Smokes boys played off one another to create an organic chemistry that stretched far beyond the limits of an ordinary DJ/emcee combination. Keyboard player Friendly Fred, guitarist J. Skills and funky trumpeter Highstyle Kyle each contributed their own personalities and captivating solos to the mix, and bassist Hashbrown and drummer Nic Woods held it all together with head-nodding good beats. And to top it all off, the band was led by two extremely literate and well-spoken rappers, Buss-One and B. Rukus, who fed off of each other's energy and spit lyrics about topics that ranged from partying to politics to revolutionizing rap.

One of the interlude tracks on Love Hustle Theater is a fake news story about the "controversy" surrounding Leroy Smokes. "They want to attempt bridge the gap between underground hip-hop and the mainstream," the fake newscaster says. "The band has stated - quote - they are not afraid." It occurred to me during their set that Leroy Smokes is capable of doing just that; with their signature brand of funky and fun hip-hop and all-loving vibe, they are the kind of band that can connect with any audience member and pull them into their world.

Photo by Andrea Myers.