Concert Review: Grandmaster Flash @ U Street Music Hall 2/8/20 — Washington, DC

*Grandmaster Flash @ U Street (Photo by Andy Jillson)*

Grandmaster Flash performed for a sold out crowd at U Street Music Hall in Washington, DC on February 8, 2020 — and Hazy Eye Music Media contributors were there to check it out. Flash’s interactive set (which includes Flash, his turntables, laptop, and a projection screen) rocked U Street for 3 solid hours, and the man never missed a beat.

*All photos by Andy Jillson // All words by JayQuan*

Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 came to prominence in the late 1970’s and by the mid 1980’s they had dominated the early 1980’s rap genre with hits like “The Message,” “White Lines,” and “Freedom.” Appearances in motion pictures and television programs like Soul Train (and the U.K. equivalent Top of The Pops) could not prevent the 6 men from parting ways by the mid 1980’s. Despite several attempts at reuniting throughout the 1980’s, it was evident by the 1990’s that the group was not able to work together.

By the start of the new Millennium D.J. Grandmaster Flash was releasing his own solo albums, authoring his autobiography, and touring the world. Many wondered how he could do this without his MC’s whom he has said himself that he needed for 2 reasons: one because without them the crowds would stare at him as if his parties were seminars, and 2 because he hates his speaking voice.

As previously stated, Flash performed late on Saturday night February 8, 2020 at the U Street Music Hall in DC. Grandmaster Flash proved his previous theory incorrect. Flash’s interactive set greatly enhanced his overall stage look and performance. In addition to cutting up the percussion heavy parts of records by Bob James, Billy Squire, Aerosmith, and Herman Kelly & Life, Flash stopped his set a few times to tell the history of his “quick mix” and “clock” theories and to recognize his contemporaries D.J. Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa.

Additionally he paid tribute to Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Tupac, Heavy D and a host of other fallen musical soldiers. With an interactive projection screen behind him that displayed scenes from his role in the seminal Hip-Hop motion picture Wild Style, and vintage footage of urban New York City, Flash displayed the power of perseverance and strength.

Check the Official DJ Grandmaster Flash Website for all upcoming performances and other info about this musical icon. His shows are high-energy and unifying. Grandmaster Flash is an American legend and pioneering hip-hop artist. He’s truly a master of DJing, cutting, scratching, and mixing.

Here are some more photos of Grandmaster Flash performing at U Street Music Hall in Washington, DC on February 8, 2020. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Music Media. All words written by JayQuan. Check out his official website, JayQuan Presents The Foundation, for more examples his work and info on how to obtain his services or just pick his brain.