A growing number of artists are using Instagram Live to connect with their fans and peers as the coronavirus pandemic continues its global rampage.
Boogie Down Productions DJ D-Nice ignited a viral dance party over the weekend with over 100,000 people. Presidential hopefuls Bernie Sanders and Joe Biden, former First Lady Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Drake, Erykah Badu and Russell Simmons were just a few of the famous names scrolling across the Instagram screen.
DJ Premier also got things popping on Saturday night (March 21), which also happened to be his 54th birthday. Lord Finesse, Alchemist, Apathy and the aforementioned Def Jam Recordings co-founder were all tuned in as the legendary producer played cuts from the Beastie Boys, Gang Starr and more.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some Instagram accounts to watch as the weeks of self-quarantine roll on.
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Erykah Badu
The neo-soul goddess announced her “Quarantine Concert Series: Apocalypse One- Live,” which she describes as an “interactive, intimate experience from my bedroom.” Keep an eye on her account as she continues to provide updates.
Biz Markie
The Biz is currently cutting it up on the 1s and 2s and shows no signs of slowing down. From Michael Jackson to The Sugarhill Gang, the veteran Hip Hop artist is as entertaining as ever.
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Questlove
The Roots drummer went live on Sunday night (March 22) and it’s likely only a matter of time before he returns to spin some more funk, soul, Hip Hop and, of course, Prince.
9th Wonder
9th Wonder is another seasoned turntablist who’s been going live for his fans over the past couple of days. But he’s also supporting his peers and joining their sessions as well.
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Lord Finesse
Not only has the D.I.T.C. vet been popping up in Instagram Live sessions with D-Nice and DJ Premier, he’s hosting his own.
DJ Premier
As previously mentioned, Preemo’s Instagram Live sessions are a Hip Hop haven for any purist. He’s been quite active on the platform since the coronavirus madness began.
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D-Nice
Of course, D-Nice will go down in history for his epic Instagram Live party on Saturday (March 22). The list of famous names who joined the session was staggering. In addition to the ones previously mentioned, Will Smith, De La Soul, Black Thought, Bun B, 2 Live Crew’s Uncle Luke, Queen Latifah, Preemo and Ms. Badu also tuned in to see what D-Nice was throwing down.
Cut Chemist
The Jurassic 5 turntablist is working on something special. He’s expected to go live by Thursday (March 26), so any Ozomatli, J5 or underground Los Angeles Hip Hop fans need to keep an eye on his account.
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DJ Nu-Mark
Cut Chemist’s fellow J5 member DJ Nu-Mark is another entertaining Instagram Live account to visit. He will be on by Thursday (March 26) to showcase his unbelievable skills on the turntables.
Myka 9
Speaking of Los Angeles Hip Hop, Freestyle Fellowship/Project Blowed legend Myka 9 is also plotting his next Instagram Live session. Check back for specific times.
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MC Eiht
The Compton’s Most Wanted OG plans to hit Instagram Live on Tuesday (March 24) to discuss his new double album Official.Tune in at 8 p.m. PST.
Tha Chill
Eiht’s fellow Compton’s Most Wanted MC Tha Chill has also been getting funky on Instagram Live. From classics such as Digital Underground’s “Humpty Dance” to the West Coast gangta rap he’s famous for spitting, Tha Chill knows how to keep things moving.
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Sway Calloway
The longtime radio host/journalist is interviewing artists on his IG Live for a series he calls “Bedroom Bars.” He’s currently speaking with Dee-1 and more interviews are presumably on the way.
DJ Fresh
Bay Area Hip Hop staple DJ Fresh hopped on Instagram Live to give his fans a little taste of what he’s been working on recently. Surrounded by multiple keyboards and other studio equipment, he delivers some heat. Tune in.
