I was reading the through the Dallas Observer last week, trying to find new things to do around D-Town and found a positive review about Jam Session Wednesdays at Prophet Bar. According to the writer, this weekly event is one of Dallas’ best kept secrets, a spot to listen to real hip hop with DJ Jay Clipp on the 1s and 2s and live soul music as well. The fact that Prophet Bar is literally five minutes from my crib, there is no dress code, and it’s only $5 before 10 was icing on the cake- I was going to be in the building this week. So last night I headed over there and grabbed a seat at the bar around 9:50. There were about 15 people there, which I expected.
I got in just in time to take advantage of the reverse happy hour $5 Patron special and got a glass on the rocks, with a lime of course. As I digress, Prophet Bar has a very NYC lounge feel to it; narrow, dimly lit, with a minimalist aesthetic. The smell of burning incense set the tone for a nostalgic evening. Jay Clipp took me back with his set, playing joints from Dead Prez, Black Moon, Nas, Gangstarr, and even some Heather B. Damn, whatever happened to Heather B?! I began to wonder if Jay Clipp was kin to either Havoc or Prodigy because he spun quite a few Mobb Deep records, including a few that I don’t remember. He also managed to sprinkle a little soul into his mix, playing some cuts from D’Angelo.
By 11, the crowd had swelled to what seems like 70 people, which made the cozy venue seem full. As I scanned the room, it seemed like me and another guy at the bar were the only ones really into the music, reciting words and bobbing our heads to the boom baps and high hats. Others were bobbing their heads too, but it was almost like they were doing it to pass the time until soul band The Grits came on stage. They weren’t really engaged in the music, but in conversations with other patrons. Around 11:30, The Grits came on and started off with an instrumental that I know is off Erykah Badu’s “New Amerykah” album, but I couldn’t figure out which song it was.
Regardless, the band was nice, with the bass player getting it in something serious. Around 11:50, I decided to head out due to my old age and the fact that I had to work the next day. My body can’t handle those weeknight events like in the past. As I was walking out the door, The Grits began playing “All That I Am” by Bilal, which momentarily made me think of staying a little longer because that “1st Born Second” album was a gem. But, I decided to continue on out the door and head home. However, it was refreshing to know that good music is being played not far away and I’ll definitely be back to jam with my fellow music congregants at the Prophet Bar on Wednesday nights. But, to give you guys a complete review, I’ll probably have to take Thursday off next time!
