Three of the most respected veteran MCs are coming together to make some history. Throughout the 2010s, DJ J. Period has assembled live mixtapes. He’s orchestrated these incredible performances on revered stages, including the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. These guest-driven affairs have become fixtures at events like The Roots Picnic and past Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festivals. In an era where performances can often feel highly formulaic, the live mixtape celebrates the improvisational spirit of Hip-Hop and its true masters of ceremony.

The Brooklyn, New York-based DJ who has previously worked with The Roots, Q-Tip, Posdnous, and the cast of Hamilton announced that on September 13 he will be conducting another legendary live mixtape line-up and the results will be recorded in one take. At New York City’s Sony Hall, Rakim, Pharoahe Monch, and special guest Black Thought are sharing the stage in style. With tickets available to the public, this event promises to be historic.

J. Period’s New Mix Blends Verses From OutKast With The Sounds Of Wakanda (Audio)

This special event comes during a busy year for these MCs. Eric B. & Rakim have toured, released a special box set of their discography, and Ra’ is preparing his memoir with Touré. In June, The Roots crew MC Black Thought released Streams Of Thought, Vol. 1 with 9th Wonder and The Soul Council. That project is part of Ambrosia For Heads’ best releases of 2018, so far, list.

#BonusBeat: In 2016, J. Period conducted a “Symphony” tribute with Big Daddy Kane, Craig G, Kool G Rap, Pharoahe Monch, Royce 5’9, Freeway, Smif-n-Wessun, and more. AFH captured the moment: