The “Hip Hop” culture is a self-expanding one and is constantly evolving with other musical influences being heard within but in small amounts. However, despite the sound of occasional gunshots echoing in the distance, followed by screams and sirens, never has an industry been so clouded by issues. The Hip Hop culture and its music is authentic, it’s smart and insightful. THE VIOLATORS UNLIMITED are a group of six men that have formulated the brotherhood throughout theri lives, and mutually share a passion for the hip-hop culture. So once again, (as this is his second guest spot on The Violators Unlimited), what the fuck is the maestro, film and television theme and soundtrack composer, classically trained pianist, RANDY EDELMAN doing back on this show?
Perhaps we should ask illustrious rapper Nelly known for the rhyme “My Place” Ft. Jaheim. It was the lead single from Nelly’s fourth studio album reaching number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and topping the charts in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Or maybe we should ask R&B Queen Patti LaBelle who recorded “Isn’t It A Shame” twice (once with the girl group LaBelle, and then again as Patti LaBelle on her live album in Washington DC.). Once more the song, climbed the charts. Both of these iconic hits were written by ….yes you guessed it, RANDY EDELMAN. In addition to that list other artists who have covered his songs include Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Olivia, Newton-John, The Carpenters, and a millennium of more.
But when the “smoke” clears from the back room where the Rebel Squad hangs, and Randy is waiting for the studio lights to illuminate and the broadcast to start the spark of all music is ignited and converges. “A songwriter’s mission is to make words do more than they normally do, to make them work on more than one level.”…according to Jay-Z.
So this dubious, unexpected, but coolest Union on the planet, Randy Edelman and the Violators Unlimited, (Darryl Thompson, Chris Ali, Fred Jacobs, David Cumberbatch, Harry Hero Samo, and Mark Shelby), might be conversing about Hollywood. The DJ might be playing soundtracks from the motion pictures Randy has composed (Last of the Mohicans, Ghostbusters ll, My Cousin Vinny, XXX, etc). Or they might be talking about the music that’s been steeped in the politics of fantasy, denial and romance….but in any case for sure they will be keeping it real….and uncensored.
Randy Edelman can be scene performing his life and career on Friday March 17 in a St. Patrick’s Day Green Massacre, a massacre of music and stories, at Chelsea Table and Stage (152 W 26th Str) at 9:00 pm
Get tickets for Randy Edelman at Chelsea Table and Stage here:
Photo Credits: Billy Hess
