Rock the Bells Kicks Off in San Bernardino

by Andres Vasquez

Rock the Bells Kicks Off in San Bernardino

Rock the Bells kicks off with performances from Rakim, KRS-One, Slick Rick, Lauryn Hill, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang and Snoop.

Over the weekend, fans flocked to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, where they braved the heat to see some of Hip Hop's most acclaimed albums performed in their entirety. Celebrities like Lil Mama, Michael Rappaport and Macy Gray were in attendance.

After Rakim, KRS-One, Immortal Technique and Slick Rick took the stage, Ms. Lauryn Hill performed the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill with some help from a band and back up singers. A Tribe Called Quest followed with a surprise appearances from Jarobi, Spliff Star and Busta Rhymes. The Wu Tang Clan performed their debut album, Enter the Wu Tang: 36 Chambers, enlisting the help of Ol' Dirty Bastard's son for ODB's verses. Boy Jones sported a classic ODB hairstyle, the same one that his father had on the cover of Return to the 36 Chambers.

After the Wu, Snoop Dogg took the stage with help from Daz, Kurupt and more to perform Doggystyle. Dr. Dre and others also appeared via taped footage to help capture Snoop's debut more thoroughly in a set that included a tribute of sorts to Nate Dogg, who is recovering from a 2007 stroke. After an encore, Snoop ended the evening.

Fans who were not willing to stand the heat had the option to take shelter in the indoor Paid Dues stage, where Murs, Brother Ali and Street Sweeper Social Club performed, among others.

Rock the Bells will continue on after dates in San Bernardino and San Francisco over the weekend, they are traveling to New York and DC for August 28 and 29.

hiphopdx.com