Frenzied medly of hip-hop and punk-rock hits Pozo Saloon

October 1, 2011

By CHRIS WREN

Despite a shocking no-show by one of the two headlining acts, Sunday’s Fall Frenzy at Pozo Saloon still delivered a symphony of dancing, drink, and blasting music.

The Game, a renowned LA rapper slated to be one of the two headline acts, generated nothing but a booming chorus of boos upon the announcement of his absence.  Although no word has come from Pozo as to why The Game did not show, the legendary rapper posted on Twitter earlier in the day that he was skipping church to perform.

Though many fans left dismayed with the missing band, The Game’s absence did not prevent the crowd of nearly 3,000 from enjoying a full day of entertainment.

Encompassing the sister genres of punk rock, hip-hop, punk bands, and rappers joined together at Fall Frenzy to share their views on the world and toast to the unrestrained lifestyle that is the herald of both musical styles.

Though the event primarily featured hip-hop it drew a contingent of serious punk-rock fans.  One attendee wore a shirt aptly describing punk rock: “punk rock is a loud, fast, and deliberately offensive style of rock music.”

Guttermouth was the first act to really get the party started.  They played aggressive punk rock music, with a skanking dancing beat provided by the drums and bass, while the guitars laid down some gritty riffs.  The lead vocalist was the star of the show, cracking many-a-joke between songs talking trash to his band mates, the audience, and even himself.  He even got off stage and went into the crowd to cause mayhem, knocking off people’s hats.  The message was clear: don’t take yourself too seriously.

Pennywise took the punk rock up another level.  They invited the whole crowd up front where a large mosh pit formed instantly.  These guys promoted anti-government sentiments, and endorsed the sovereignty of an individual person.  Pennywise motivated the crowd with their abrasive, dance-ready instrumentation.

Bay area rapper Andre Nickatina was the first major rap act to grace the stage.  Nickatina rapped some classic verses from tracks such as “Scotty 15,”“Killa Whale,” “Ayo For Yayo,” and “Jungle.”

As night crept in, WC of Westside Connection blasted the crowd with his bass and gangsta raps.  He talked about growing up in the ghetto and reflected on the mind state of a paranoid gun-toting youth.

From South Central Los Angeles, WC said he looked at life from a raw perspective, telling the fellas to say “I love sex” and the ladies to say “I love money.” In WC’s hood from trading sex for money is common place.

The final act of the Frenzy was Big Sean.  Displaying his free-styling abilities upon entering the stage, Big Sean was intent on demonstrating his talents.  Sean performed an eclectic mix of tracks including pop dance songs, mellow Marvin Gaye inspired love songs and uplifting tunes celebrating his new-found fame.  At age 22, Big Sean boasts that his life centers around good weed, fine women and European fashion.  Who could blame him?