Hip-hop met funk in a dazzling fusion as GZA and Lettuce co-headlined a night that felt like a masterclass in groove, rhythm, and lyrical mastery. On one side stood GZA, the Wu-Tang Clan’s legendary wordsmith, whose 1995 album Liquid Swords remains one of the most revered hip-hop records of all time. On the other was Lettuce, the genre-blurring powerhouse that has spent decades redefining funk with their explosive live performances. Together, they created an atmosphere that felt both timeless and electric, as fans of both styles found themselves vibing to the same beat.
When GZA took the stage, backed by the razor-sharp musicianship of The Phunky Nomads, the energy in the room shifted into something raw and commanding. With the dim glow of stage lights casting an almost cinematic haze, he launched into Liquid Swords, performing nearly the entire album with the precision of a seasoned poet. Each verse dripped with the same cold, calculated delivery that made the record an instant classic, as the crowd rapped along to every intricate lyric. From the haunting intro of the title track to the eerie storytelling of “Cold World,” GZA’s presence was undeniable: a master of his craft effortlessly weaving through complex narratives.
Beyond Liquid Swords, the setlist leaned heavily into Wu-Tang Clan’s catalog, sending the audience into a frenzy with tracks like “Triumph” and “C.R.E.A.M.” The call-and-response moments during “Clan in da Front” sent Stage AE into a frenzy, where every voice in the crowd felt like part of the performance. GZA, ever the stoic figure, balanced his calculated flow with moments of engagement, occasionally letting his guard down to bask in the love from the fans.
The Phunky Nomads provided a lush, live-band reimagining of these classic beats, adding layers of texture that made each track feel even more alive. At the heart of their brilliance was drummer Ramsey Jones, who stole the show with an electrifying presence. His charisma extended beyond the kit – every strike of the snare, every cymbal crash, every head nod felt intentional, like he was conducting the entire energy of the performance. Whether locking into airtight grooves or munching on a drumstick while beating on bongos bongos, he played with a passion that absolutely radiated through the room. The synergy between The Phunky Nomads and GZA was seamless, but it was Jones’ expressive performance that often had the crowd locked in awe, proving just how powerful live instrumentation can be in hip-hop.
After the final echoes of Wu-Tang classics faded, it was time for Lettuce to take over, shifting the night from razor-sharp bars to deep, intoxicating grooves. As part of their Sauté Tour, the funk collective wasted no time getting the crowd moving, launching into a set filled with thick basslines, soaring brass, and intricate rhythms. Their ability to create massive, danceable soundscapes was on full display, with each member feeding off the energy of the other. The interplay between trumpet, saxophone, and guitar was particularly mesmerizing, adding layers of melody that felt almost hypnotic.
At times, it felt as though Lettuce were speaking an entirely different language, a musical conversation unfolding in real time. Extended jams stretched songs into new territories, giving each member a moment to shine. The funk was relentless, the groove unshakable. Fans lost themselves in the hypnotic pulse of the bass, their bodies moving instinctively to the ever-evolving rhythms. There was no need for lyrics – every instrument had a voice of its own, and together they told stories just as vivid as GZA’s rhymes.
As the final notes rang out and the crowd erupted in applause, it was clear that this night had been something special. GZA and Lettuce, two forces from seemingly different worlds, created a seamless experience that felt as natural as it was exhilarating. The sharp lyricism of Wu-Tang’s finest and the boundless energy of one of funk’s greatest live bands had merged into a performance that transcended genre. It was proof that hip-hop and funk, storytelling and improvisation, could exist not just side by side but intertwined, creating something greater than the sum of its parts.
February 5th, 2025
