Brooklyn native Talib Kweli gave a joyous, celebratory performance at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Wednesday night as part of the CMJ Music Marathon 2013.
The building that had been filled with electronica and dance music just 24 hours earlier transformed into a hip hop haven on Wednesday night as Kweli's showcase took over the hall. The entire evening was a celebration of all things Brooklyn as Kweli and his cohorts, many of whom were from or made their names in Brooklyn, led the crowd in an energetic, almost nonstop party.
After appetizers from F. Stokes, Children of the Night, Cory Mo, Sean Price, Smif N Wessun (who famously call Brooklyn "Bucktown") and Black Moon, the main course finally arrived...at 1:15 a.m. The doors opened at 8 p.m., the show started at 9 p.m., but the acts performed so vibrantly that Kweli couldn't get on stage until after 1 a.m.
And when he did come on, he hit like a freight train. (He actually re-did his intro because he thought it wasn't strong enough.) Kweli bounded around the stage, led fans in hand-raising unison and delivered his lyrics with force and vigor.
The 38-year-old wore a black shirt with white lettering that read "County of Kings" in reference to Brooklyn's other designation, Kings County. Kweli said during the show that he was thrilled to be performing on stage with some of the artists who were making their names when he was growing up in Brooklyn. He brought out Sean Price on stage for one of his songs.
The enjoyment on Kweli's face and in his voice was palpable throughout the night. Brooklyn is his home, and he invited everyone over for a party.
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