Hip Hop fans definitely got their money's worth at Fall Fest 2008 Saturday hosted by UB's Student Association. As fans lined up for nearly an hour outside of the Alumni Arena, they expressed that they were excited to see the "old school" and "new school" hip hop artist sharing one stage.

Local artists Smoove and Prettyboy Knuckles opened the show promoting their music. Following their performance, Biz Markie also known as "The Human Beat Box" entertained the audience with his performance on the turntables and a few of his hits from the 80s.

Slick Rick also known as "The Greatest Storyteller of All Time" blew the audience away with his with his old school rhymes.

Big Daddy Kane's performance seemed disappointing at first, but he redeemed himself after climbing off stage and into the crowd during his final performance. The crowd went wild.

Fans were especially anxious to see KRS 1. The audience chimed in with every word to each song he performed. It was obvious that the arena was full of true hip hop fans.

Ludacris' lively performance had everyone on their feet waving their hands and singing every song. After Ludacris' performance, the concert went into a brief intermission while waiting for NAS. The crowd became out of control and started throwing cups and change onto the stage. Luckily, police did not have to get involved.

Once the crowd calmed, DJ Green Lantern took the stage and introduced NAS. He performed several songs from his newest album and a few songs from previous albums. The crowd was very excited to see NAS. Some fans mentioned that they came to the concert just to see him perform.

After the show, Buffalo.com/YourHub had the opportunity to catch up with KRS 1 and Big Daddy Kane. They shared their thoughts on the evolution of hip hop as a culture and the "Stop The Violence Movement". KRS confirmed, "Hip hop is bigger than rap, it's a lifestyle". Kane also added that hip hop is the way people talk, dress, and live. "New artists are so busy trying to promote themselves that it outshines their music." They encourage new and aspiring artists to become more than just a trend if they plan to become a part of hip hop history.

KRS spoke passionately about his "Stop the Violence Movement" while members of his entourage advertised with "Stop the Violence" shirts. He's very pleased of his endeavors in this movement, but sad to say, 20 years after launching, that America has become more violent than ever. The performer has received significant criticism in regards to the "Stop the Violence Movement". "People are saying that there are too many thugs on the movement such as; 50 cent, Lil' Wayne, and Cassidy. But these are the only people that can change hip hop and end the violence." KRS is patiently waiting for mass media to promote peace and reconciliation and encouraging youth to find other ways to settle their differences.

As a whole, I thought the concert was great. It catered to all age groups and even included Buffalo's own performers on the very same stage. The crowd showed excitement from the moment the show began until the very last song. Fans of all ages will remember this show and its message, "Stop the Violence"

-Alexys