The essence of Queensbridge was alive and well inside Dazed Cannabis, as Havoc and Cormega played songs from their forthcoming album. Vibe Magazine editor-at-large Datwon Thomas hosted the Havoc x Cormega Album Listening Event, where the two hip hop legends welcomed fans to a behind the scenes look into their creative journey, inspirations, and the collaborative process behind their unreleased, untitled album.
As a result, the dispensary/event space was full to the brim by the time Havoc and Cormega graced the stage. As the duo entered the venue to lukewarm applause –Havoc in his now trademark shades, and Cormega with his assertive presence– they carried with them a steely determination and –Havoc in particular– a business like approach to this public appearance.
In turn, Thomas warmed up the crowd, as he commenced the listening and Q&A portion of the event. Setting the tone with a couple of the duo’s classic collaborations in “Angel Dust,” (where Cormega revealed that Havoc’s standout chorus was due to his own unfamiliarity with song structures) and the Marley Marl produced “On The Real,” which served as a rite of passage between Queensbridge legends. “Getting on a Marley record was everything to us,” said Havoc.
Havoc X Cormega Listening Event: Music Review
Cormega starred, playing the part of hood poet, enforcer and gentleman throughout the evening. And after quick intermission for ‘Mega to enforce the event’s strict no cell phone policy, Thomas transitioned into songs from the new album. Although unfinished, the duo previewed 10 quality tracks, gauging fan response and opinions along the way. Particularly due to Havoc’s meticulous approach, as Cormega enlisted the help of the crowd as he petitioned for his favorite beats to make the album’s final cut.
Nonetheless, Havoc, stoic as ever, kept answers short and sweet as Cormega fielded most of the questions. However, it seems as though Hav’ does most of his talking behind the boards. Hence why Dazed Cannabis experienced its first bobble head night this past Saturday, as heads bopped to one hard-hitting beat after the other. Havoc’s trademark gritty, bass-line heavy style and classical samples were in full-effect as he flawlessly captured the grimy, rugged, street tone with which Cormega does his best work.
Yet the legendary producer was the least surprised at his excellence behind the boards. After all, earlier this year, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Part II” was named the greatest hip hop beat of all-time. When Thomas broached the topic, Havoc nonchalantly responded with, “it took ya’ll this long to realize that?”
After a few more records, and another brief intermission for Cormega to hilariously reiterate the no recording policy to an overzealous fan, he previewed the album’s only guest appearance, featuring a verse from Raekwon.
Album Release Date?
All in all, despite the intimate preview, neither a release date nor month was revealed. Even though a joint-project between the Queensbridge natives is years in the making, there doesn’t seem to be any rush. On Saturday night at least, Havoc and Cormega seemed content to let the creative process play itself out. And The Havoc X Cormega Listening Event was like a comic testing out jokes before a new special.
As Cormega delved into the journey behind the album, he revealed that there’s more at play than meets the eye. “I understand the healing process. Sometimes people forget we’re humans. This man just lost his brother and someone he considered a brother-in-rhyme. I understood it was going to take time for him [Havoc] to heal,” explained Cormega as he referred to Havoc’s loss of his brother Killa Black, and Mobb Deep partner Prodigy.
Merch
To commemorate the special occasion Dazed created a collectible, numbered (1-200), premium t-shirt, featuring exclusive artwork by Casa. Along with a pair of socks marked 40th and 41st side symbolizing the addresses to Havoc and Cormega’s project housing in Queensbridge. This limited edition capsule was unveiled at the Cormega x Havoc Listening Event with limited quantities for sale at Dazed Cannabis located at 33 Union Square W.
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