The Deep End

It must've been at some point in the early '90s that Dirk and I were driving around looking for action, somewhere between Liberty City and Little River. Well, we got action, all right — we got 2 Live Crew, live and uncut. Whether it was our awkward teenaged demeanor or...

By Abel Folgar

August 17, 2006

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It must've been at some point in the early '90s that Dirk and I were driving around looking for action, somewhere between Liberty City and Little River. Well, we got action, all right — we got 2 Live Crew, live and uncut. Whether it was our awkward teenaged demeanor or the offensive punk-rock T-shirts, hairdos, and ripped jeans, we were most certainly an anomaly at the concert. But hell, did we have a good time. Walking past the door dudes, jamming and grinding a pair of deliciously thick sisters during "The Fuck Shop" ("Just like on the album!" we high-fived each other), it seemed that God really does protect imbeciles and drunks — we made it through the night. And the next day, we went out and got a tape of Sports Weekend (As Nasty As They Wanna Be, Part II).

Though the verdict is out on exactly who originated "dirty raps," the 2 Live Crew and Blowfly camps both claim as much. But one thing is certain: Luther Campbell and company are the ones who made it a hit with a suburban audience. And it's why they often landed in court, fighting tooth and nail for free speech. Campbell (AKA Luke Skyywalker), Fresh Kid Ice, Mr. Mixx, and Brother Marquis (who has since found God) helped define the parameters of the Dirty South sound and party music everywhere. Ever the entrepreneur, Campbell continues his work as the Larry Flynt of the hip-hop industry — too bad he won't be at Saturday's performance. But regardless who's with the Crew this weekend, you know that shit's gonna be hot — and a helluva lot sexier than any Diddy joint.

2 Live Crew performs Saturday, August 19, at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Kuad Recordings DJs Merlyn, Ash-Rock, JimiTheGenius, Engineer, and Chino start the night off at 10 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Call 954-727-0950, or visit www.jointherevolution.net.

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