ACL presents its first Hip Hop Show 
K’NAAN
In an episode that says as much about AUSTIN CITY LIMITS as any previously recorded episode in the show’s 35-year history, ACL is proud to premiere its first all hip-hop show. The January 16 episode pairs rising Somali-Canadian rapper K’NAAN with the accomplished, renowned Mos Def for an hour of provocative, cutting-edge music.
“On the same day that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum declared ACL a ‘historic rock and roll landmark,’ we made history once again when we recorded our first-ever ACL hip hop show,” said show producer Terry Lickona of the October 1 taping. “I was surprised that both K’NAAN and Mos Def were very familiar with ACL’s history, and honored to be the first true rappers to perform on our stage (Mos admitted to having ‘a little butterflies’). No matter the genre, their music comes from the heart and connects with the heart. K’NAAN is on the verge of stardom, and Mos is already a legend. Whether you’re a fan or not, their music is universal and irresistible.”
Mos Def
Delivering a set that was as moving as it was entertaining, K’NAAN wowed the audience on hand. The young rapper delivered his “richly detailed rhymes” (Entertainment Weekly) with the grace of a seasoned ACL veteran, not the ACL novice he actually was. Mos Def reminded the audience of what an accomplished artist he is from the moment he stepped on stage. Accompanied by two DJ’s, he filled the room with his talent and exuberance performing songs from his recently acclaimed solo album The Ecstatic and more.
What do you think of ACL’s foray into hip hop? It certainly speaks to the continued diversification of Austin City Limits. More on that to come soon!
Good move. Drawing genre divisions is a dangerous business at best, and Austin music should not be marginalized or put into a box. Genre is dead; quality is the only thing that matters. Keep up the good work.
I came across this show on a whim and when I saw Mos Def, I had to stop on the channel as well as read more about this show. I must say as a lover of true hip hop, you all picked the best candidates for your first all hip hop show! Congrats to you and I hope to see more amazing artists in the future such as Common, Talib Kweli, The Roots and Q-tip. This was a treat indeed…
Can you hear the “click” of remotes across the country turning off ACL? ACL has always had “diversity” without including hip hop as a genre included its programming (sorry, there I go with “genre division”). I look forward to ACL every week and cannot believe this absolute SH*T! Looking to expand your audience? How many hip hop fans do you think will be attracted to ACL? Pretty close to ZERO (proof noted above). In the meantime, you alienate loyal fans who have expectations of what they will (or will not) see on ACL. Some guy singing badly while accompanied by turntable is NOT ACL.
I first learned to like Mos Def as an actor (Something the Lord Made, 2004; and 16 Blocks, 2006), and only recently did I step forward to buy a Mos Def CD (Ecstatic). This man’s musical talent goes way beyond hip hop, and bridges many musical styles and borders. Sure, listening to his CD before tonight’s show gave me an up on a totally new listener, since I had heard the songs and felt the style and lyrics a few time. That said, ACL’s decision to bring Mos Def to your stage not only expands your new audience membership, it also leaves long-time viewers like me coming back to see what’s new and worthy of your stage. Nice…!
These ACL performances were the most moving and impressive ones I’ve seen yet on ACL. I am a music lover who appreciates all genres, and I encourage ACL to bring on artists with diverse styles. Four stars, two thumbs up.
I appreciated ACL on so many levels. i’m glad to see different artist from differents musical tastes on the show. I have been watching ACL for years now. I’m A FAN of Good music not just Hip Hop. I think it’s important to show that diversity. Keep up the GREAT Work.