“The Kennedy Center will orchestrate a special performance between Common and the National Symphony on Wednesday (March 22),” writes Carl Lamarre on Friday at (3/17) Billboard.com. The performance, co-presented with online hip-hop website Okayplayer, “will also include orchestrated versions of songs from Common’s eclectic catalog,” including his album Black America Again. The NSO Pops will be led by Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke. “The day prior, Common will team up with the National Symphony for a four-hour rehearsal from 1 to 5 p.m. [followed by] an intimate interview at the African Lounge at KC Opera house…. Earlier this week, Common … said, ‘Hip-hop has been like a voice for so many people…. If you go think about the days of Public Enemy and you fast-forward to Kendrick Lamar, hip-hop artists have always been speaking up and saying what they feel…. If you didn’t like what was going on you speak up and we’re entitled to do that as people.’ Last year, the Chicago rapper also released his politically charged effort Black America Again, which featured Stevie Wonder, John Legend, BJ The Chicago Kid and more.” Click here to read Symphony magazine’s recent article about orchestras and rappers.
Posted March 22, 2017
