Rakim

Oxbow Live and Firefly Organics Present: Rakim with Ryan Zoidis Trio and DJ Myth

**21+**

| Rakim |

In the history of the Hip-Hop, few artists have had as great an impact on the development and progression of the art forms lyrical style as New York’s own William Michael Griffin…known to world as Rakim Allah. Universally referenced as one of the Masters of the Microphone and an influence and inspiration to his peers and followers alike, Rakim first exploded onto the scene with the release of iconic Eric B. is President in 1986 with long time collaborator Eric B. The single marked a turning point in the Rap world – raising the bar for future emcees and revolutionizing the way rhymes are delivered to this day. No serious discussion of the music’s greatest performers is held without a deferential accounting of his achievements, and no serious rap artist grips a microphone without channeling some of his legend.

Rakim’s intricately intellectual lyrics draw their force from his worldly experience, inner faith and progressive contemplation; his liquid and seemingly effortless delivery – often imitated but still unrivaled – from a fire fueled by a deep understanding of not just Hip-Hop, but also the Jazz and R&B influences that have surrounded his family since his youth. His recordings – including the all-time classics Paid In Full, Follow the Leader and The 18th Letter - have sold in the multi-millions worldwide. Billboard, Rolling Stone, MTV and a host of others consistently refer to Paid in Full as “the greatest Hip-Hop album of all time” – a claim that often repeated in audience polls. These Platinum albums line the walls of the Broadway, MCA and Universal labels and, with a Rakim appearance near guaranteeing an explosion of sales, he has been recruited to add his star talents to projects for Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Linkin Park, Mobb Deep, Jody Watley, Damian Marley, Lloyd Banks, Limp Bizkit, Gang Starr and Truth Hurts among many others.

| Ryan Zoidis Trio |

Ryan Zoidis is a founding and active touring member of funk legends, Lettuce. He is a grammy award winning saxophone player who calls Portland, ME home. Zoidis will be brewing up a set of improv heavy selections that feature some of his favorite musicians, Charles Haynes and Tyler Quist.

Tyler Quist is a multi instrumentalist, producer and gifted creative force. Quist founded the Portland based band, Jaw Gems, as well as recording and producing all their records.

Charles Haynes is a Grammy-winning composer, producer, songwriter, and drummer, known for his work across genres like jazz, gospel, hip hop, folk, and R&B. With nominations for an Oscar and an Emmy, he has made a substantial impact in the music industry.

Haynes has worked as Musical Director for Ayo and Co-Musical Director for Lady Gaga, collaborating with artists like Queen Latifah, Ed Sheeran, and Patti LaBelle.

Currently, he is touring with Samara Joy and Maxwell while continuing his role as a producer for The Masked Singer and Jamie Foxx's We Are Family. His diverse talents make him a significant force in today's music scene.

| DJ Myth |

DJ Myth, with his eclectic musical knowledge, smooth transitions and precise cuts, is known as one of the top party rockers and turntablists in New England, and helped create the foundation of New Hampshire’s most important and longest-running hip-hop residency, Rap Night Manchester, which will be celebrating it’s 12th anniversary this June. He has had the honor to DJ for numerous legendary hip-hop and R&B acts including Rakim, Das EFX, The Beatnuts, Onyx, Kool Keith, and Mya, just to name a few, and has shared the stage with many more. He celebrated 30 years behind the turntables in 2024.

[$50 Tickets | Doors 730 PM | Show 830 PM]

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