(After a few no so happy emails, this story has a edits. Bashy in all her bashyness, made a small faux pas, reported MAVADO came to the stage at about 2AM - WRONG, Bashy! As some of your comments, on and off line stated, Mavado did take the stage at the expected 4am! But all in all, it still was a good show, wouldn't you agree?)
If you were one of the few unfortunate ones to miss Sample Jack’s 3rd Anniversary Bash featuring “Gangster for Life” Mavado at the Club Center, let’s just say you probably missed one of the biggest stage shows to come to Cleveland. Yes, we loved Baby Cham and were blown away by the performance of Luciano, but since this artist is considered one of the hottest on the scene right now, his arrival in Cleveland was pure madness.
The masses turned out in spite of the not so eventful weather, the (what some considered)steep $30 + at the gate and of course the unknowing feeling of when and exactly who would take the stage. Chat ‘Bout had first hand info that Mavado had arrived in Cleveland for the show, but there were no Queen Paula or Macka Diamond as announced (who were supposed to substitute for Ce’Cile, as advertised on the flyers). But can you imagine what time we would have seen Mavado take the stage after Sunshade and Hard Stone performed THEN Macka Diamond and Queen Paula took to the stage? Whew! Even later than 4:00 maybe?
As showtime approached, Cleveland’s favorite MC, KC Platinum, alongside Marc Dragon, prepared the crowd for the stage show with a few tunes, salutations and announcement. The crowd was ready as KC came with his signature, “Are you ready for Showtime?” Hardstone worked the masses as he performed the tune “Get up, get up” to amp up the already eager crowd. Check out the artist, Hardstone at www.myspace.com/hardstone.
After a few more crowd teasers compliments of KC Platinum, Mavado took to the stage at about 4am. Tattletale and I could immediately feel the rise of the energy levels of the place. We also spotted a sea of digital cameras and cell phones taking pictures and videos of the performer. (Sorry, Night Ryder, but WE all are photographers tonight!)
So, okay, was it me or were you all surprised at Mavado’s size? With such a strong voice and even stronger content, I was expecting someone who was a least, say, 5’10, maybe? But I must say I was loving his designer casual look as he sported a long sleeve T-Shirt and Jeans by Christian Audigier (you know, Ed Hardy’s more expensive cousin?). Not to mention the blingin’ platinum and diamond chain and the bracelets…….
Overall Mavado gave the crowd a great performance as he sang all the tunes to get the crowd moving, from “Don’t Cry” and “Gully Side” to “Top Shotta Nah Miss” and “Last Night” the crowd never missed a beat until… oops, it appeared to Mavado that Marc Dragon dropped – a few. Mavado was more than irritated with a few things that went down in Cleveland and unfortunately Marc Dragon was one of them. Mavado seemed to stop the tunes as least 3 times in order to supposedly get the selector together since he felt Marc Dragon ‘doesn’t listen.’ (WOW!) By the time Mavado closed out the performance with “Dying” the crowd was more than satisfied and continued to party to the sounds of New Horizon until a mere 6am.
Although Chat ‘Bout was completely feeling this show, we were able to spot a few dancehall celebrities in the crowd. Hot Boys Dylan, Dennis, and Blacka, the God Bless Crew, Lady Spyda, Maggie and Sharon Untouchable, The Designing Women Crew, The Blaze Crew, Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby.
Big Up to Sample Jack for another great event in Cleveland! Happy 3rd Anniverary as well!
And just because Chat ‘Bout is so nice…. Here are a few pics, enjoy!
Bashy
The masses turned out in spite of the not so eventful weather, the (what some considered)steep $30 + at the gate and of course the unknowing feeling of when and exactly who would take the stage. Chat ‘Bout had first hand info that Mavado had arrived in Cleveland for the show, but there were no Queen Paula or Macka Diamond as announced (who were supposed to substitute for Ce’Cile, as advertised on the flyers). But can you imagine what time we would have seen Mavado take the stage after Sunshade and Hard Stone performed THEN Macka Diamond and Queen Paula took to the stage? Whew! Even later than 4:00 maybe?
As showtime approached, Cleveland’s favorite MC, KC Platinum, alongside Marc Dragon, prepared the crowd for the stage show with a few tunes, salutations and announcement. The crowd was ready as KC came with his signature, “Are you ready for Showtime?” Hardstone worked the masses as he performed the tune “Get up, get up” to amp up the already eager crowd. Check out the artist, Hardstone at www.myspace.com/hardstone.
After a few more crowd teasers compliments of KC Platinum, Mavado took to the stage at about 4am. Tattletale and I could immediately feel the rise of the energy levels of the place. We also spotted a sea of digital cameras and cell phones taking pictures and videos of the performer. (Sorry, Night Ryder, but WE all are photographers tonight!)
So, okay, was it me or were you all surprised at Mavado’s size? With such a strong voice and even stronger content, I was expecting someone who was a least, say, 5’10, maybe? But I must say I was loving his designer casual look as he sported a long sleeve T-Shirt and Jeans by Christian Audigier (you know, Ed Hardy’s more expensive cousin?). Not to mention the blingin’ platinum and diamond chain and the bracelets…….
Overall Mavado gave the crowd a great performance as he sang all the tunes to get the crowd moving, from “Don’t Cry” and “Gully Side” to “Top Shotta Nah Miss” and “Last Night” the crowd never missed a beat until… oops, it appeared to Mavado that Marc Dragon dropped – a few. Mavado was more than irritated with a few things that went down in Cleveland and unfortunately Marc Dragon was one of them. Mavado seemed to stop the tunes as least 3 times in order to supposedly get the selector together since he felt Marc Dragon ‘doesn’t listen.’ (WOW!) By the time Mavado closed out the performance with “Dying” the crowd was more than satisfied and continued to party to the sounds of New Horizon until a mere 6am.
Although Chat ‘Bout was completely feeling this show, we were able to spot a few dancehall celebrities in the crowd. Hot Boys Dylan, Dennis, and Blacka, the God Bless Crew, Lady Spyda, Maggie and Sharon Untouchable, The Designing Women Crew, The Blaze Crew, Leisa Engel and DJ Chubby.
Big Up to Sample Jack for another great event in Cleveland! Happy 3rd Anniverary as well!
And just because Chat ‘Bout is so nice…. Here are a few pics, enjoy!
Bashy
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