By Tamara Jenkins

Old school rap heads rejoiced as the City of Chicago and radio station V103 presented the Rap Down Rewind featuring Salt N Pepa, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick and Bell, Biv Devoe.

The event, held in conjunction with The Taste of Chicago, was hosted by V103 personalities Joe Soto and Ramonski Luv.

The lovely and ageless ladies known as Salt N Pepa were first to hit the stage. The duo brought the estimated 30,000 plus in attendance to their feet as they performed classics “Do You Really Want Me”, “Shake That Thang”, “I’ll Take Your Man”, “My Mic Sounds Nice”, “Tramp”, “Lets Talk About Sex”, “Push It” and “Whata Man” .

After a brief break, they returned with even more energy, continuing with a mini tribute to their mentors Diana Ross, Teena Marie, Aretha Franklin and LaBelle, and ending on a spiritual note with Kirk Franklin’s “Stomp” featuring Salt.

Doug E. Fresh initially hit the stage solo but was later joined by a chained out Slick Rick and they performed “The Show “.  Fresh later provided instrumental help on Rick’s classic “La Di Da Di” concluding with a tireless beat box performance.  

After an intermission, R&B trio Bell, Biv Devoe danced their way onto the stage amid screaming fans. Reminiscent of their New Edition  days dressed alike in light colored vests and sagging jeans they did their best to keep up with their dancers as they performed “Thought It Was Me”, “Do Me”, “Poison” and “When Will I see You Smile Again”. Rap Down Rewind was a memorable event that highlighted timeless performers and music.

Photo by Adam Bielawski