Kai FlandersStones Throw Records 15th Anniversary Party
The Exchange LA
12-22-11
See also: Stones Throw Records Turns 15: Label remains a genre unto itself
Stones Throw Records has long been an anomaly in the music industry, boasting a genre defying and head-sratchingly diverse roster. They have, as Jeff Weiss pointed out in the above piece, always been two steps ahead of the curve. That probably explains why last night's 15th anniversary celebration was one for the books.
The line went on for blocks; it seemed to encompass everyone in Downtown L.A. Some of the DJs who were scheduled to preform actually couldn't get in, and had to stand outside with their turntables stacked on the sidewalk.
Father and Son MCs; Credit: Timothy Norris
Once inside it was clear why everyone wanted to be there. Folks in the house were from all over the musical galaxy, there were rastas — legitimate ones, not white boys — sparking up doobies with denim-tuxedo wearing sceneters; exec types tipping back a few with rockabilly gents; KCRW interns getting chatted up by rappers and their entourages.
Oh, and the music. Over twenty-five MCs, bands, and DJs played on two stages over the course of the night. It was like a mini-festival inside of a nightclub. The reggae acts were among the best of the evening, particularly the brass horn sounds of The Lions. Everyone was dancing during their set — and they all seemed to have a partner.
But the standout of the night was Lootpack member Wildchild. The veteran MC blazed through verse after verse of “that real shit” while a legend of the L.A. Music scene Reggae Pops appeared from backstage and busted out some funky dance moves. Wildchild then brought out his 6-year-old son Baby Boogalo, who you may have seen on America's Got Talent. Father and son rapped together on a couple of tracks and then the crowd sang Baby B happy birthday. Kid has mad swagger.
It's the kind of thing that can only happen at a Stone's Throw party. It kind of made you feel like anything was possible.
Personal Bias: I jammed Stones Thow legend J.Dilla's Donuts religiously for a year in high-school.
Overheard in the crowd: The phrase “shoe game.” Many times.
Random notebook dump: I was standing near the exit when suddenly the two locked doors to the right of me opened. Mayer Hawthorne stood there for a moment, looked at me with a puzzled look, and then proceeded to slam them.
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