It’s not every day you get the chance to enjoy a true blast from the past, that also stands the test of time. Golden age MC Rakim is almost universally accepted as one of the pioneers of rap as we know it today. Many credit him for inventing the concept of “flow,” and marking the move to conceptual and complicated pre-written rhymes—as opposed to improvised, simpler ending ones. All this, along with his massive success, as both a solo artist and as one half of the legendary DJ/MC duo Eric B and Rakim, has cemented him as one of the most influential artists of all time. In 2016, the game-changing duo announced their reunion and even teased fans about a tour, but it’s basically been crickets ever since. Who knows if that reunion will happen, or if Rakim will be performing any tracks off their 1987 debut Paid In Full, which is an absolute classic. Hosted by Portland hip-hop DJ and radio personality DJ Klyph, this show will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Rakim’s 1997 album, The 18th Letter. Portland hip-hop veterans like Cool Nutz, DJ Fatboy, as well as DJ OG One share the bill. by Jenni Moore