By TraeAnna Holiday

Photos by ProofNThePlay

On December 30th, Converge was in the building as Trae & Proof caught the Digable Planets concert at Neptune Theatre. It was a jam packed house as this terrific trio made their way to the stage. The audience was in high anticipation for what was to come. With their melodic hip hop sound, they came to the stage prepared to give us a dynamic show that took us through their timeless classics. The crowd was rocking with them the entire time as they moved from one track to another. Their live band brought all they had and kept the whole place in tune with every song. Digable Planets leaves room for the band to truly give it their all. There were music breaks in almost every song! The audience was loving every part of it too, swaying and dancing to the beat. 

It was beautiful to hear so many fans rap along to these songs; and it was clear that this group was beloved and missed. With their last album as a trio, Blowout Comb, coming out in 1994, much time has passed, yet from the sound of the fans you would think they just released these songs! They represent a time in hip hop when the music was pure and held messages that moved people. Fans’ ages spanned the spectrum, with college students and salt-n-pepper beards all vibing to the same lyrics. With a raucous, “We love you Queen!” being belted out several times, it was obvious that Mariana ‘Ladybug Mecca’ Vieira was indeed loved by all in attendance. Her partners Ishmael ‘Butterfly’ Butler and Craig ‘Doodlebug’ Irving definitely put it down, spitting fire like the seasoned vets they are. It was a great time for sure, with so many expressing their enthusiasm way after the show. Shoutout to STG Presents for bringing yet another great show to the Seattle area!