The sounds of old school hip-hop and R&B filled Legion Field on Saturday, May 6 as Funk Fest rocked Birmingham.
DJ Traci Steele warmed up the crowd for acts that included Juvenile, Joe, Goodie Mob, Babyface and Erykah Badu.
Goodie Mob, which includes members Cee-Lo Green, Big Gipp, T-Mo and Khujo, said a Dungeon Family reunion can be expected on (Dungeon Family production trio) Organized Noize’s new self-titled album.
“It’s the EP that’s out right now,” Big Gipp said. “We’re on the whole album. Everybody’s going to be on the album.”
Babyface sang his hit songs, including “Every Time I Close My Eyes,” “Never Keeping Secrets,” and “When Can I See You Again.” He then got the crowd up when he sang songs he wrote for other artists, such as “Every Little Step” and “Don’t Be Cruel” by Bobby Brown, “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boys II Men, “My, My, My” by Johnny Gill and “Rock Steady” by the Whispers.
Erykah Badu hit the stage as only she can, dressed in a long trench coat, and orange platform boots. She sang her hits “Love of my Life (An Ode to Hip Hop),” “On & On,” “Danger,” “Apple Tree,” “Window Seat” and “Tyrone.” She also paid tribute to classic hip hop, performing Slick Rick’s “La Di Da Di,” and NWA’s “Gangsta Gangsta.” After the show, Badu stayed on stage to mingle with fans.
R&B songstress Erykah Badu kick started her summer tour at the Birmingham stop of the Funkfest music festival. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
R&B songstress Erykah Badu kick started her summer tour at the Birmingham stop of the Funkfest music festival. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Kenneth ” Babyface” Edmonds performed a bevy of hits from his extensive catalog of work at Funkfest Birmingham. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Kenneth ” Babyface” Edmonds performed a bevy of hits from his extensive catalog of work at Funkfest Birmingham. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
R&B singer Joe takes his performance off stage to interact with fans. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
R&B artist Joe lets fans near the stage sing some of his hits. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
Rap quartet Goodie Mob reunited for an energy-fueled performance at Legion Field for the Birmingham stop of Funkfest. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
Rap quartet Goodie Mob reunited for an energy-fueled performance at Legion Field for the Birmingham stop of Funkfest. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta cast member DJ Traci Steele backstage at the Birmingham stop of Funkfest. Reginald Allen, for the Birmingham Times.
