HOT 103.7 HOT House Party: Time on Our Side

Bell Biv DeVoe w/ Coolio, Lisa Lisa, Next, Young MC, and Rob Base
XFinity Arena, Everett, WA
06.18.15

Kicking off their second annual HOT House Party, Seattle throwback station 103.7 once again pushed back the clock on Thursday with a star-studded, 90’s-insipired lineup that would’ve made even the cool uncle in your family blush. Rob Base, Young MC, Next, Lisa Lisa, Coolio, and Bell Biv DeVoe gave the north end an entertaining and memorable evening – one that needn’t rely solely on nostalgia to have some fun.

Robert Ginyard, aka Rob Base, would be the one to pioneer this evening’s entertainment, which was absolutely fitting, considering that he is largely regarded as an all-important gateway for the acceptance of mainstream rap as we now know it. Sadly, Base has recently dealt with the passing of not only his second musical half, DJ E-Z Rock, but also the passing of his longtime wife. Accordingly, and without pretension, the fairly short 25 minute set began with “This is a journey into sound,” and as the set progressed, it seemed apparent that Base’s vocals had matured with a gospel-like grace.

Young MC came out with swagger, checking both his phone and the bass line, which was nearly bottoming out. Neither Young MC nor Rob Base relied heavily on their past hits, but rather played them down, successfully keeping intact some sense of self. Next was, well, next. Wearing all white and donning red sport coats, they looked dapper and energetic, kicking off their performance with “Wifey.” With coordinated moves and an audience that was now on their feet getting groovy, stage moves got a little risqué, as the younger of the two brothers decided it was hot enough to lose that pesky, bothersome shirt. Nobody complained.

Lisa Lisa tore up the evening, beginning with “Lost in Emotion.” She showered the excited audience with appreciation and thank-you’s, grateful to retain an avenue to perform after all these years. It was evident that her dancers genuinely enjoyed being on stage, and in some respects, Lisa Lisa stole a big piece of the show pie. Sound issues plagued the vocals momentarily, but, between the dreamy de-robing of her male dancer, and the energy buzz that never quit, everyone could easily give this performance two thumbs.

And then there was Coolio, super late, once again… He marginally redeemed himself, sporting a Sonic’s shirt and hat, but let’s face it guys: this gets old. He opened with “Gangsta Walk,” strutting onto the stage with actual musicians on-hand. A guitarist and saxophonist filled the corners of the stage, and did their part to match his tenacious energy. The set was paced with seriousness, shown during “Gangster’s Paradise,” as well as a bit of camaraderie. Coolio ended his set plunging into the crowd, shaking hands, hugging, and taking selfies.

Bell Biv DeVoe entered 2015 celebrating their 25^th anniversary, and the hype surrounding their entrance lived up to the occasion. The DJ ended their intro juggling the decks, all the while seamlessly removing his shirt. BBD looked impeccable, carrying in tow a full band, and starting their set with “Do Me.” The night, as this point, seemed like a dare to do irresponsible things. Dancing galore, in addition to plenty of audience attention, stole the night away, stopping the decades-old clocks.