DJ Kool performs during the Hammer’s House Party Tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

One of my favorite memories is going to the MC Hammer Too Legit To Quit Tour at Pine Knob (now DTE Energy Music Theatre). The show was HYPE and featured Boyz II Men and TLC, so you can imagine how excited I was to see Hammer at the same venue, along with some legends including DJ Kool, Biz Markie, Sir-Mix-A-Lot, and Coolio.

The show started with DJ Kool known for “Let Me Clear My Throat”. He got help hyping the crowd up from DJ East!

Biz Markie performs during the Hammer’s House Party Tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Next up was Biz Markie who is known for his beat-boxing skills. He performed all his hits like, “Just a Friend” and “The Vapors”; and also took time to remember some of our fallen stars including Prince, Nipsey Hussle, and Michael Jackson.

Sir-Mix-a-Lot performs during the Hammer’s House Party Tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Sir Mix-a-Lot started with the jams like My Hooptie, My Posse on Broadway, and the FOREVER jam, Baby Got Back. For that song he brought a variety of ladies on stage to dance, and that sent the crowd into a frenzy! He also shouted out Flint, MI.

Coolio performs during the Hammer’s House Party Tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Coolio came out performing with a 3-piece band that included an amazing saxophonist. Along with his performance he also shouted out Flint and paid tribute to MC Breed, as well as Eazy E, Aretha Franklin, Biggie, and Tupac. He took the audience down memory lane with “Fantastic Voyage”, “See You When You Get There”, and “Gangsta’s Paradise”.

MC Hammer set the stage on fire with his hits “Pumps in a Bump” and “Have You Seen Her”, where he serenaded the ladies and handed out flowers. Hammer also performed “Let’s Get It Started”, “Pray”, “They Put Me in the Mix”, “You Can’t Touch This”, and my favorite, “Too Legit To Quit”.

MC Hammer performs during the Hammer’s House Party Tour at DTE Energy Music Theatre. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Hammer’s House Party Tour definitely brought back the nostalgia of 80’s and 90’s Hip-Hop and reminded me of how good it used to be!

When I was a kid one thing that I didn't think I would be doing is celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Doggystyle, because . . . who can believe it’s been 25 years since it was released?!? The seminal album that introduced us to Snoop Doggy Dogg, Snoop Dogg, Snoop D-O-Double G, the Dogfather, and your favorite west coast rapper still gets a party started, and rocks a crowd!

When the Puff Puff Pass Tour made its way to Detroit and the crowd rocked non-stop from Triggs to the headliner, Snoop Dogg.

The show began with Doggystyle Records South newest artist, Triggs, who showcased his latest single, “Lit”. Which I promptly went and added to my summer playlist.

Triggs performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Up next was Warren G. I feel like we all can remember the moment we heard “Regulate”, and now I can add my first time hearing it live to my list. Warren G. jammed all through his set, and also provided the first Nipsey Hussle tribute of the evening.

Warren G performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony followed Warren G. and took us on a trip down memory lane with songs like “First of the Month”, “East 1999”, and “Crossroads”. The group also took time out to celebrate the lives and music of Eazy E, Tupac, the Notorious BIG, and Nipsey Hussle. They also showcased all the memorable tracks they're featured on including one of my favorites, “Breakdown” by Mariah Carey.

With the Detroit River, Canada, and a plethora of boats as a backdrop Snoop Dogg hit the stage, with both a mascot and stripper poles. With a steady stream of hits, Snoop did not disappoint, along with a lot of crowd interaction including asking if their dream was to A. Party with him, B. Drink with him, or C. Smoke with him leading into “Gin-N-Juice”.

Snoop Dogg performs during the Puff Puff Pass Tour at The Aretha in Detroit, MI. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Snoop also took time to pay homage to the late, great Nipsey Hussle.

I’m still surprised that Doggystyle has been out for 25 years. Having the chance to celebrate this album, and also experience the music that I grew up with was both exciting and sobering. If you get a chance to check out the Puff Puff Pass Tour in your city . . . DO IT! You can find tour dates here!

Let's Get This Party Started!

25 Years of Doggystyle