It’s been sixteen years since The Lox released a full length project, that being We Are The Streets way back in 2000. But that all changes today (December 16) as the trio of Jadakiss, Sheek Louch, and Styles P drop their third album Filthy America… It’s Beautiful under their new home of Jay Z’s Roc Nation. To celebrate the arrival, “the best three-man group in existence” took the stage at New York City’s Highline Ballroom to offer a golden blend of their previous work as well as their latest.
Feeding a hungry crowd, Technician the DJ kept an already early night afloat by letting off some freestyles from the individual group members, including Sheek’s “De La Gorillas” and SP’s “The Realest.” The slick punchlines and familiar beats weren’t enough for the crowd. Not before long, the legendary Kid Capri decided to put his hands on the wheels of steel, which certainly got the attention of the show’s attendees.
Shortly after Capri stepped away from the turntables, The Lox monstrously appeared on stage to a deafening roar of excited fans. The first song from their set is Filthy America single “Don’t You Cry.” After ripping through their respective verses, they move on to the New York favorite “Wild Out.” With all eyes on his brethren, and himself, Jadakiss took a moment to thank all of the audience for sticking out the city’s brutally frigid weather. “You could be anywhere in the world,” he said. “But you’re here with us.”
The Lox then move on to their next track, “Savior,” and introduce Dyce Payne, an up-and-coming Brooklyn emcee and singer who provides the song’s hook. Noticing that the crowd is digging the new tunes, Kiss offers the reminder “That shit we just did is out in two hours my n—as. Cop that shit my n—as.” The packed house responds in support of buying the LP. “For the culture my n—as,” the Top 5 auteur continued.
In a one-two punch that would make any fan of the Lox get misty-eyed, the cold sounds of Akon’s 2004 hit “Locked Up,” rings out. With all attention directed towards Styles, he does as expected and begins to recite his verse, but before he can complete it, Technician immediately switches to the Hennessy-tempting “Ooouuu.” Young MA’s breakout record gets the people moving, knowing that Kiss is about to kick a verse. The moment was a reflection of just how well versed the trio can be when it comes to their musical output, should it be freestyles or hit records – The Lox’s catalog consists, extensively, of both.
“Ain’t no party like a D-Block party, ‘cause a D-Block party don’t stop,” became the night’s chant.
In the blink of an eye, “Down in the DM” made waves throughout the venue and just when you thought you’d be getting another batch of mind-bending bars, Yo Gotti himself stepped to the stage ready to partake in the affairs. Sporting a very icy Roc-A-Fella chain, following the announcement of his union with Jigga, the Memphis native proceeded to rock the show in all of his southern galore. The Lox waste zero time making sure New York showed love to Gotti and individually congratulated him on joining them in Roc Nation’s roster of talent.
The Lox continue their party chant in between a medley of hits, while a handful of drunken fans voice their frustration with not being able to hear the songs in their entirety. However, The Lox return to the slums of NY, with a follow up guest.
Wu Tang Clan’s resident cook, Raekwon made an appearance, briefly performing his Only Built 4 Cuban Linx classic, “Incarcerated Scarfaces.” Always a pleaser, Rae expressed his love for the trio but he wasn’t able to escape that easy. The trio request another joint, which turns out to be “C.R.E.A.M.,” in which Kiss takes the lead, standing in for Rae who opts for the background. “I grew up on the crime side, the New York Times side/ Staying alive was no jive/ At second hands, moms bounced on old men/ So then we moved to Shaolin land,” the Lox and the crowd rap together.
Sheek, Styles, and Kiss run through a final collective of their popular hits including, “All About the Benjamins,” (sans Puff Daddy and Lil Kim), “Good Times,” and “We Gonna Make It.”
Effectively bringing the house down, the Lox united for a goodbye, just when it was beginning to feel like the party was never going to end. Styles P, as the gentleman that he is, decided to say a few words on his outlook of the evening. He made notice of the many faces in the dark crowd, pointing out that he was surrounded by multiple colors of people.
Peering through Highline, Styles declared, “We can all be one!”
The Lox continued to thank everyone for attending, advising the drunk to utilize Uber for a ride home and the peaceful to remain so. The Yonkers representatives then made their way off stage, backed by the end credits theme of the 1970’s series The Jeffersons.
Filthy America… It’s Beautiful is now available.