As the hip-hop duo known as Blue Scholars prepares to play its first of two shows at WOW Hall this week, group member MC Geologic already knows what to expect.
“Eugene is an anomaly,” he said. “Even before we released ‘Bayani’ in 2007, we were getting invited to play there, and the crowds were always crazy.”
With smart, political lyrics that often focus on the struggles of socioeconomic classes, issues of authority and youth empowerment, Blue Scholars have become a fan-favorite in Eugene, especially among University students.
“I think it’s pretty cool that they represent the Northwest but also carry the message of the average person,” University senior Charlie Hartzell said. “It really speaks to where they are actually.”
After meeting each other in 2002 while attending the University of Washington, group members DJ Sabzi and MC Geologic combined their talents to release a number of highly successful and critically acclaimed albums, including their 2004 self-titled debut and 2007’s “Bayani,” which was released through hip-hop label Rawkus Records.
As the duo continues to release EPs and tracks on the Internet in preparation for the next full-length album, they stay on the road, performing shows across the country.
After seven years of constant touring, the group’s live presentation has become well-known for its ability to keep audiences entertained.
Often, in addition to performing the songs off their albums, Geologic and Sabzi will perform their own versions of tracks by bands such as Modest Mouse, the XX and Empire of the Sun.
These sorts of surprises keep the audience on their toes and have allowed the group to expand their performances from the standard DJ and MC hip-hop show format to something much greater.
“(Their concerts) are such a positive and lively experience,” WOW Hall program coordinator Calyn Kelly said. “Very upbeat, and everyone nods their heads.”
Before their show became the refined performance it is today, however, the Scholars still found support from Eugene venues.
“Eugene was the first place I remember kids stage diving and crowd surfing during our set,” Geologic said. “Even during the slow songs.”
As it happens, Geologic and Sabzi aren’t the only musicians in history who have found Eugene an ideal place to perform. The city has become notorious for its loud and supportive crowds, attracting national acts like the Flaming Lips, Girl Talk, Passion Pit and Kid Cudi to its venues this year alone.
“The fan participation is so much greater here (in Eugene),” said KI of Undermind & KI, a Northwest hip-hop group who is opening for both Blue Scholars shows this week. “We can do a completely different sound here and the fans will appreciate it.”
This sort of appreciation is why the Blue Scholars have chosen to put on two back-to-back concerts at WOW Hall tonight and Friday night.
Despite tonight’s matchup between the first-ranked Ducks and UCLA, Kelly is still confident people will attend the show.
“Last time they were here they sold out,” Kelly said. “I expect the same for the shows this week.”
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