Yesterday, a YouTube channel called Hip Hop History uploaded previously unreleased footage of a Bad Meets Evil concert, which took place on February 16, 1999 at The Middle East venue in Cambridge, MA. The uploader traces the footage back to the "8mm video archives of underground hip-hop founder, Adam Walder," so respect to the source for making it available. The video is roughly a half-hour long, and takes place a few weeks before the Slim Shady LP dropped.
The concert itself finds Eminem and Royce at the height of their stardom, with the former on the verge of ubiquity. There's something raw about seeing Eminem performing in low-capacity venues, spitting full-songs in their entirety. Throughout the clip, all matter of mayhem ensues: a woman takes her top off, Em calls out his then-rival Cage, and a power outage occurs at the height of Em's biggest single, "Just Don't Give A Fuck." Look for a Paul Rosenberg cameo, manning the camera and pounding beers while doing so.
For those appreciative of their hip-hop history, consider giving this a watch. It's been a minute since we've heard a Bad Meets Evil album, but 2018 brought us two Eminem and Royce collaborations; we can only hope that the pair find some time for a full-length project. Until then, we shall do our part to fuel Bad Meets Evil nostalgia accordingly. Check out the setlist, and watch the video below.
Brain Damage
Nuttin' To Do
Scary Movies
'97 Bonnie and Clyde
Pills freestyle
I'm the King [Royce da 5'9]
Just Don't Give A Fuck
The Last Hit
My Name Is
Stir Crazy
Low Down, Dirty