By matt dulaney | december 23, 2024
What happens when you bring together three powerhouses of ’90s hip hop under one roof for one unforgettable night? That’s exactly what I experienced on Saturday night at the Warfield, where Arrested Development, The Pharcyde, and Digable Planets orchestrated an evening packed with nostalgic hype and good vibes. The venue was filled to the brim with people of all ages and backgrounds—a testament to the enduring impact of these groups over their 30-year careers. The excitement in the air was palpable, especially given how rare it is for all three acts to tour together.
Arrested Development opened the night with an electric performance. Debuting in the late 1980s, this group helped shape a new direction for hip hop during an era dominated by artists like N.W.A. and Public Enemy. Their Afrocentric sound and empowering, introspective lyrics stood apart, promoting themes of community, revolution, and hope at a time when much of mainstream rap was overshadowed by narratives of gang violence. Backed by a full band and sporting their signature look, they brought an energy that was impossible to ignore. Speech and Rasa Don’s smooth flows and undeniable presence were perfectly complemented by Fareedah Aleem’s dynamic dancing and Tasha Larae’s soul-stirring vocals. Together, they created an experience that felt as fresh and vital as it must have decades ago.
Next up was The Pharcyde, following a brilliant warm-up set by DJ Cell, who took the crowd on a trip down memory lane with a mix of ’90s hip hop classics. When Imani, Slimkid3, and Fatlip hit the stage, their charisma and chemistry transported us straight back to 1992, when their debut album, Bizarre Ride II The Pharcyde, cemented their place as one of hip hop’s most influential alternative acts. Their interplay and transitions were so polished that it felt like they had never stopped performing together. Between songs, they expressed heartfelt gratitude to their fans and reflected on their journey and the evolution of hip hop. When they closed their set with their iconic track “Runnin’,” the entire auditorium was on its feet, dancing and singing along.
Closing out the night, Digable Planets took the stage to thunderous applause. The Brooklyn-based trio—Butterfly, Doodlebug, and Ladybug Mecca—did not miss a beat as they vibed with the crowd. Despite releasing only two albums before pursuing separate projects, their influence on music and their fans was undeniable. Their seamless fusion of jazz and hip hop has left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring artists like Isaiah Rashad, Denzel Curry, and Kendrick Lamar. In a touching homage to their musical roots, the group handed the spotlight over to their band for a medley of jazz and funk tracks that had inspired them. This tribute culminated in a stunning rendition of their most famous song, “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat),” which samples Art Blakey’s 1978 track “Stretching.”
As a self-proclaimed “old head,” this show was a landmark moment in my concert-going history. Born too late to catch these legendary groups in their prime, I was beyond thrilled to witness them all in one night. Seeing fans young and old come together to celebrate these iconic acts was as heartwarming as it was exhilarating. For anyone who loves hip hop but isn’t familiar with these names, I can’t recommend exploring their music enough. Chances are, your favorite artists were influenced by at least one of them. This night was proof that true artistry and timeless music will always bring people together.
Matt Dulaney is a freelance photojournalist for Majestic Music Magazine. See more of his work here
