Three of the most legendary MCs of hip-hop history are sharing the stage on September 13th in New York’s Sony Hall to record a live mixtape, promising it will all be one take. DJ J.Period is bringing together Black Thought, Pharaohe Monch and Rakim for what can only be a historic live recording event. This will be the newest in a series of “Live Mixtapes” that J.Period has become known for organising with Black Thought. For a taste of what’s to come, check out the Live Mixtape recorded live with Black Thought and all the James Brown samples you’ll ever need!

If just reading these names wasn’t enough to get you excited, let’s go through the three legendary MCs and discuss why you should keep an eye out on September 13th.

Black Thought is one of the greatest lyricists in hip-hop. He’s the lead MC of The Roots and recently put his name behind a countless array of creative projects such as the Hamilton musical and forming a rap supergroup with Rhymefest and Phonte. He didn’t need to prove his lyrical skills, but in 2017 he did just that on Funkmaster Flex’s Hot 97.1FM radio show. Check out the nearly 10 minute freestyle:

Pharaohe Monch is known for complex and intelligent lyrics and rhyming schemes. Hip-hop legend, Kool Moe Dee, once wrote that “Pharaohe Monch is like an eloquent linguistics professor moonlighting as a rhyme serial killer terrorist…” Pharaohe Monch isn’t afraid of keeping it real on his lyrics, as we learned from his 2014 album Post Traumatic Stress Disorder where he deals with traumatic stress and suicidal thoughts.

Does Rakim even need an introduction? Together with Eric B. he formed one of hip-hop’s greatest duos ever to hit the stage. Hip-hop would not be what it is today if it wasn’t for Rakim and you’ll consistently find him on Top 5 lists of the greatest MCs. Listen to Paid In Full and groove like it’s 1987 again.