Photos by Nicole Sepulveda
@__nik__pics
Review by Mike Smith

The Fox Theater in Oakland has hosted its share of legendary hip-hop shows, but on February 13th it became something more than a venue. It transformed into a living, breathing exchange between artists and audience. The lineup moved effortlessly from raw eccentricity to communal catharsis, with each performer building on the last while maintaining a distinct voice and purpose.

With Mr. Dibbs being the first opener, he set a strong and authentic tone for the night. With sharp scratches and a thoughtful mix of classic and underground hip-hop cuts, his set steadily built the energy in the room and drew the crowd into the experience. 

Kool Keith’s set reminded everyone why he remains one of hip-hop’s most unpredictable and enduring figures. Sliding effortlessly between personas, he delivered crowd favorites like “Blue Flowers” and “Girl Let Me Touch You There” with a confidence that felt less nostalgic and more timeless. Rather than relying solely on classics, Kool Keith mixed in original material, keeping the set fresh and refusing to coast on legacy alone. As the beats hit, the crowd responded instinctively, jumping, shouting lyrics back at him, and feeding off the oddball energy that only he can generate. It was a clear reminder that his appeal has never been about polish, but about presence.

That momentum carried directly into R.A. the Rugged Man, whose performance turned the Fox into something closer to a pressure cooker. R.A. thrives on interaction, and from the moment he took the stage, he made it clear this would not be a passive experience. He demanded movement, call-and-response, and full-bodied participation, igniting mosh pits and encouraging crowd surfing with a mix of humor and intensity. Despite the chaos, there was a strong sense of control. R.A. balanced aggression with self-awareness, keeping the focus firmly on the music rather than the spectacle. His set felt deeply personal without becoming indulgent, grounded in technical skill and raw honesty.

The energy shifted dramatically and intentionally when Sage Francis stepped onstage. Where earlier sets were explosive, Sage’s was connective. His bond with the audience was immediate and sincere, built on themes of love, respect, and vulnerability. The Fox Theater quieted in the best way, leaning in rather than pulling back. His performance felt intimate and almost conversational, as if the entire room had been invited into a shared emotional space. The highlight came when Sage delivered a Valentine’s moment to his wife via video chat. What could have felt gimmicky instead landed as deeply heartfelt. The moment underscored the humanity at the core of his art and reminded everyone that hip-hop can be tender without losing its edge.

Closing out the night, Atmosphere transformed the room into a unified chorus. From the first notes, hands went up and stayed there. The crowd needed no prompting, as every lyric was already known and every hook already internalized. The singalongs felt organic, communal, and powerful, blurring the line between performer and audience. Atmosphere’s message of positivity and love resonated deeply, especially as the set explored life’s dualities, including joy and grief, struggle and meaning. Rather than offering easy answers, the performance emphasized balance. It suggested that living well means embracing both the light and the heavy moments. The result was uplifting without being naïve and hopeful without ignoring reality.

By the end of the night, it was clear this was not just a concert, but a journey. Each artist contributed a distinct chapter, from Mr. Dibbs setting the tone, Kool Keith’s eccentric bravado to R.A.’s controlled chaos, Sage Francis’s emotional honesty, and Atmosphere’s communal affirmation. The Fox Theater did not simply host a show on February 13th. It held space for a powerful reminder of what hip-hop can be when artistry, authenticity, and audience truly meet.

The tour continues through April in North America and then moves to Europe, so check out www.rhymesayers.com for all the latest news and info.