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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Hip hop meets classical music

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When I first heard about “The Resurrection Mixtape,” the first performance of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s Uncharted Series, I was excited. Conductor Steve Hackman fuses classical music and hip hop using Gustav Mahler’s “Resurrection Symphony” with music by Biggie and Tupac. Hip hop has come a long way, baby!

I missed the first 10 minutes and got to my seat late because I parked at Circle Centre Mall and had to walk to Hilbert Circle Theatre. I went the wrong way — I’m always doing something — and had to walk a few extra blocks, but I got some steps in so it was not a total loss. When I get inside, I see it is packed! It was a full house. People were everywhere — all kinds of people too. I assumed it would be more people of color, and it was a totally mixed crowd across the board. When I finally get to my seat, I hear “’Cause all we want to do is party and bullshit and party …” Yes, I was in the right place.

The two MCs, a vocalist and the orchestra were wearing all black. In addition to the regular orchestra, there was also a drummer and a bass guitar player.

“It was all a dream” everyone yelled as the MC rapped the lyrics over “Resurrection Symphony.” Very classical but then the beat drops and the MC said, “If you don’t know now you know …” This was not your typical symphony where the crowd was quiet. Oh no, no, no! The crowd recited all the lyrics, and it was loud at times. There were shouts of “You betta get it!” or “That’s my jam!” during the performance.

Like I said I got in late, and I saw everyone going live so I pulled out my phone out to go live too. Nope. I got in trouble. The usher told me no photos. Dang it! That is what I get for being late. I missed the no-photo-or-video speech.

The orchestra played snippets of Mahler’s “Resurrection” that fit perfectly to set you up for what’s next. Usually, it started off soft and nice then it becomes a little louder and faster and somewhat aggressive, but it worked so well.

I heard him start with Biggie:

“Remember back in the days when n*****s had waves, Cazal shades and cornbraids?”

“Shit, my mama got cancer in her breast. Don’t ask me why I’m motherfucking stressed, things done changed.”

Then it merged into ‘Pac.

“Who shot ya … Grab your Glocks when you see Tupac. Call the cops when you see Tupac.”

When the songs ended, a screen drops from the top of the stage and video of Tupac and Biggie played, starting with black and white images of them when they first hit the scene and progressing to color images to show both of their untimely deaths. “Only God Can Judge Me” by Tupac flashed across the screen.

Then, Biggie appeared on the screen talking about life after death. In the background soft classical music played. The music became very dramatic, almost sounding like thunder.

Then the piano riff of “That’s Just the Way It Is” starts and Tupac’s “Changes” plays.

It was great a great show. I loved it! There was profanity so it may not be appropriate for younger children. Walking out, I saw smiles on everyone’s faces and it seemed to be a great time was had by all. The crowd was very receptive. Lots of claps, head nods and reciting the lyrics.

Uncharted Series returns with a second performance, Steve Hackman presents “Brahms v. Radiohead” on June 1. This performance will merge Radiohead’s album “OK Computer” and Brahms’ “Symphony No. 1.” Visit, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for more information or tickets.

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