3 MCs, but no DJ

To create hip-hop music live on stage without a DJ or a looped sample might be unorthodox, but Davey Chegwidden, band leader for the Rhythm Roots Allstars, does it every night of the “Hip-Hop Live!” tour. The 10-piece band, which will stop at 9 p.m. today at The Bluebird as part of the tour, provides a unique experience for concertgoers.\n“Ten guys moving around on stage creates energy with the crowd, energy in which we feed off, and, in turn, the MC feeds off as well,” Chegwidden said.\nToday’s show, featuring Ghostface Killah, Brother Ali and Rakim, will open with the Rhythm Roots Allstars playing a 30-minute set of original material. They will then be joined onstage by Brother Ali, followed by Ghostface Killah. Rap pioneer Rakim will close the show, for “a good two and a half hours of music,” Chegwidden said. \nBrother Ali said a live band at a hip-hop show makes everyone on stage work harder and that work ethic is reminiscent of the golden age of hip hop in the 1980s. To prepare for the tour, the “Hip-Hop Live!” MCs sent the Rhythm Roots Allstars their set lists. Chegwidden said they kept the songs as close to the original recordings as possible, but added their own interpretations when applicable. \n“I think (the MCs) like that it’s a little different,” he said. “We’ve played with a lot of MCs. They weren’t really sweating too much about the lack of a DJ.”\nBluebird promoter Aaron Estabrook said the venue brought the “Hip-Hop Live!” tour to Bloomington with a unique fan experience in mind. Estabrook said it’s rare for the hip-hop genre to have a live band backing the MCs.\n“This is one of the most anticipated shows at the Bluebird this year,” he said.\n“Hip Hop Live!” will start at 9 p.m. today. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased at The Bluebird box office or through Ticketmaster. This show is for ages 21 and up.