When I read that rapper Royce da 5’9″ was getting together with DJ Premier to put out a hip-hop album under the name PRhyme, I thought, “I’ll get that album.” When I saw that they were selling tickets to an album-release party at Santos Party House in New York this Monday, I thought, “I’ll go to that party!” So I rounded up my always-reliable concert friend Jessie (veteran of the Monster Tour, Global Citizen Festival, FKA twigs and Run the Jewels) and off we went.
I’m going to take a picture of Jessie at our next concert so I can prove she’s real. I swear she is not an imaginary friend. It just so happened that she got there after the pre-show meet-and-greet with Royce and Premier and that’s why I’m all alone with the guys in this photo, looking a little goofy.
Don’t mind me, I’m just creepin’ on these guys (Royce on the left, Premier on the right).
I feel silly at photo ops — and that experience with Bill Clinton was especially traumatic — so it helps to have a pal along, like I did the last time I met Royce. At least Jessie arrived in time to position herself at the front of the stage with me. There was no barricade between the stage and the audience so we could reach up and shake hands with the performers as they came by. Here’s Royce da 5’9″ doing a bit of PRhyme’s song, “To Me, To You.”
The show was full of special guests. When The LOX came out, including Jadakiss, Jessie got so excited that she gave my arm a squeeze. I got all worked up when Royce’s three Slaughterhouse bandmates came out: Joe Budden, Kxng Crooked and Joell Ortiz. The whole group is on Eminem’s Shady XV compilation album, and I feel like I’m best friends with Kxng Crooked ever since he re-Instagrammed this boobalicious photo of me featuring my Shady XV necklaces.
Click to see on Crooked’s IG. This is the first time a photo of mine has ever gotten more likes than an average FitzRoy photo.
You can get the PRhyme album on iTunes now, and catch the duo on their North American tour. Dates are listed in this Billboard interview. I’m tempted to go see them at the Highline Ballroom in New York in February, but I’m hesitating because how could it possibly equal this week’s experience?
Royce up close and personal. No zoom used for this photo.
I have no idea why I wore my sequin skirt from Patricia Field to this show. For concerts, I’m strictly about jeans in the winter and shorts in the summer … and it was cold out that night. But it worked out well because when I went into Santos, I was handed a CD to be signed by Royce and Premier (Premier is holding it in the first photo in this post); a poster to be signed (I gave that to Jessie); and a size large PRhyme t-shirt. I had a tiny bag and didn’t know where to put everything, so I put the t-shirt on over my sweater. It turned out to be a good look!
What Wendy Wore
T-shirt: PRhyme (2014)
Sweater: Nordstrom’s private label (1990s)
Skirt: Patricia Field (2014, previously seen here)
Boots: Jil Sander (pre-2005, previously seen here)
Tights: Random. Who knows where tights come from?
Before the show started, while I was standing near the bar and struggling to tie a knot in the t-shirt (so ’80s!), a dude walked by and said, “That outfit’s killing it!” Still, I think I’ll go back to jeans for future shows.
I love that you go to all these shows, Wendy – if I lived in NYC, I’d be right there with you! Love the sequinned skirt and boots on you!
I would totally be bringing you along!
I just love that one day you are in Washington and other events role playing the “oh so proper Society Lady” and the following minute or day a true backstage “Gangsta- Rapsta”.
The very versatile Wendy…..
Right on Lady B!!!!!
Split personality!
Awesome look and it looks like a great show! I’m jealous. Hopefully I can see them when they come to Chicago in February. I’ve been a fan of Royce since back in the day in Detroit.
Definitely go!