The author (third from the left) and fellow Music TRaCers backstage with TALIB KWELI and YASIIN BEY (aka MOS DEF).

Growing up I have always known of Mos Def (aka Yasiin Bey) and Talib Kweli‘s rap-duo Black Star. My mother was – and still is – very in love with them. When I asked her if I could attend their show at the Best Buy Theater she freaked out and told me she would make me go. After seeing them perform I now know why she freaked out.

That night was a night I will never forget.  It was like watching magic happen.  Everyone in the audience was having a good time and was extremely into what they were watching. Me, being someone who hadn’t listened to their music, very much felt like I knew exactly what they were talking about when I really did not. It felt so incredible to be there.

Black Star performs.

My night was interesting: I had shown up extremely early, seen two reality TV stars, heard a fight, and waited for a very long time for Mr. Bey to show up.  The performance and backstage experience made it worth all of it.

It seemed very surreal a kid from the South Bronx backstage at one of my mother’s favorite artist’s shows.  I can’t believe I got the chance to meet them. I can’t stop thinking about it. I just want to relive that show over and over again. I’m very fortunate that I was lucky enough to attend. It was an experience that was absolutely incredible and I am BEYOND happy I was there.