If you have a chance to check this out in your city I highly recommend it. I think last night was the first show, here in San Diego.

the lineup (I think Little Brother is only on select dates, but not sure) was LB, David Banner and Talib Kweli. All the rappers were backed by the 10-piece Rhythm Roots Allstars.

Before LB came on the band warmed up the crowd with some Latin music and hip hop beats. Then LB took the stage and they sounded really good with the backing band. I have seen them twice before live and didn't think their live show translated as well as they sound on CDs. This was the best I have heard them sound and their portion of the show was pretty enjoyable.

I have never heard David Banner before and I am not really into radio-type artists but wow he put on a great show. Lots of energy and his lyrics sounded great with the backing band. He jumped up on the ledge of the balcony at one point and it was a LONG way down to the ground if he would have fell. Was in the crowd quite a bit too. Very entertaining show.

Talib was stellar, as always. Have seen him a bunch with and without a full band but this show rivaled his latenight set at this year's Bonnaroo, which was one of my favorite shows of his.

Was really disappointed that last year's show (Ghostface, Rakim Brother Ali) was canceled with the Rhythm Roots Allstars as the backing band so this was pretty cool. Hope they make this an annual event!