August 14, 2023

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LL Cool J brought his F.O.R.C.E. tour to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on Saturday night and brought several of his friends to celebrate fifty years of Hip Hop.

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The Roots along with DJ Jazzy Jeff started things off with their own set of tunes that included "It's Just Begun," "Bra" and "Here I Come."

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They remained on stage as the house band and performed for each of the artists.  Common was the first guest to hit the stage and he often freestyled about "The Land" and playing with The Roots.  

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He told the audience that they were celbrating the culture and how we have to support the right politicians and businesses.  But he also noted, "If we have to pull and Alabama on 'em, we gotta be ready."  Referencing the Alabama brawl.

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LL Cool J came out for his first set and blasted "I'm Bad" and "Doin' It."

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On of the best moments of the night came when LL went into "4,3,2,1" "and the Method Man and Redman came out to sing a verse along with Black Thought.

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Other LL hits were played like "Around The Way Girl," "Headsprung" and his set closing "Going Back To Cali."

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MC Lyte then took the stage and played a short set of tunes that included "Cha Cha Cha," "Paper Thin" and "Ruffneck."  

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The music never stopped at The Roots took the audience back with some old school bangers like Biz Markie's "Just A Friend," Whodini's "Friends" and DMX's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem."

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Jadakiss came out with a uninspired set compared to the other acts.  

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However, when Method Man and Redman hit the stage, the energy level went way up!  Their choreographed moves and the interplay between their verses was very infectious.  I would have to say that they almost stole the show.

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But LL returned for his second set and really brought the heat.

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Coming out to his first slow jam, "I Need Love," I'm sure most of the ladies in the audience would be happy to oblige the still very buff Mr. Smith.

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"I Can't Live Without My Radio," "Jack The Ripper" and "Phenomenon" filled the middle part of his set. 

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But the end of the show hit the hardest with "Mama Said Knock You Out" and "Rock The Bells."

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It was a great celebration of 50 Years of Hip Hop.

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Photos and review by Greg Drugan

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