Experiment: A test conducted to learn something or to discover if something works or is true.
What happens when you combine the five-time Grammy Award winner, known as the “Queen of Neo Soul,” Erykah Badu, and The Alchemist, one of the most prominent and influential producers in Hip Hop? You get an outside-the-box, multi-genre release called the Abi & Alan Experiment presents: Before The World Burns. The two musical icons are touring the newly released project and made a stop on Sunday, Sept 13th, at the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto.
Two beds, a large couch, and acoustic instruments sit quietly on a darkened stage while the crowd slowly settles into their seats. Sunday night concerts have a different feel as the weekend winds down, and the chill of the September evening air adds to the quiet, subdued energy in the venue. Digital screens light up behind each bed with classic cartoon He-Man and Jem and the Holograms simulated wallpaper. The set begins with both The Alchemist waking up from his rest and calling Badu, waking her from her slumber to share a nightmare he had. In this dream, the world was ending, and they set the tone for the night by sharing what they would do if they had one last beat, one last song, one last moment to create. The time to make and release this record was now, and a full, seated amphitheatre is present to experience this creation live.
The 90-minute set featured the album in its entirety, with classics from both artists sprinkled in. Badu, in a vibrant, patterned dress draped over a Toronto-inspired colored jersey and pink head wrap, floats around the stage like the magical individual she is! What truly captivated me beyond the incredible performance was how much the crowd loves these two for their respectful contributions to Hip-Hop culture. I found the setlist to be the perfect mix of new album tracks and classics, drawing the crowd in more and more with anticipation. The Alchemist, rocking a hoodie and Blue Jays fitted hat, has his moment to shine, playing some of his most recognized and loved beats, including the album’s first single “Next 2 U.” The beat, originally from Mobb Deep’s “The Realest,” is one that Badu has always wanted to sing over, and after 16 years away from the game, he finally came back out to do just that. Not only was Badu singing on the track, but the crowd was singing along too! The night became a multi-track sing-along, with fans dancing, hugging, and singing together. I found it hard to return to my seat as I wanted to walk around and soak in the love and appreciation fans, including myself, have for both Erykah Badu and The Alchemist. This was decades of love coming together! It was truly surreal.
Music is frequency; frequency is energy. Energy shared through music is Love. Love is power—the power we need in this moment and especially in these trying times. This was a life-changing moment for me. Not only did I get to be amongst greatness, witnessing my favorite female artist from my childhood and the man behind some of my all-time favorite hip hop tracks live together, but I also experienced love at a magnitude I haven’t seen or felt before. Until my world personally blows, this night will remain one I deeply cherish. Peace and love.
Connect with Erykah Badu : WEBSITE || TWITTER/X || FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM
Connect with The Alchemist : WEBSITE || TWITTER/X || FACEBOOK || INSTAGRAM
Be sure to check out Live Nation Ontario to see all of the other great acts that they will be bringing to Toronto this year.
