The Masters of the Mic Tour is one for the REAL Hip Hop heads! It brings together some of Hip Hop's legends for a night of good, real, music. The line-up features Black Sheep, Slick Rick, Rakim, EPMD, Naughty by Nature, and DMX.

All of the artists had the crowd at DTE Energy Music Theatre ROCKING, from start to finish!

The night started with Black Sheep! Dres had the crowd on their feet, as he rapped hits like "The Choice is Yours" and "Flavor of the Month". Working the crowd with a mature swagger, it was a great way to kick off the show.

Dres of Black Sheep works the crowd. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Dres of Black Sheep performs at the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Up next was Slick Rick; who did not disappoint! Dripping in diamonds, at one point his wife came out to bring him even more jewelry and the show didn't stop! He powered through hit after hit, taking the crowd on a trip down memory lane with "La Di Da Di", "Hey Young World", and "Children's Story"; which at that point in the show he switched out of his shades into his trademark eyepatch!

Slick Rick performs at the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Rakim could have just stood there for his set, because EVERYONE at DTE knew all of the words. Many in the crowd appeared to be in awe of the MC! He came out with STRAIGHT NYC swagger, wearing his Yankees cap, 2 gold chains, and all white Air Force 1's. As he transitioned from song to song from his catalog; with "Paid in Full", "Microphone Fiend", "Make 'em Clap to This", I ain't No Joke", and "Juice", even his DJ had to step back for a minute and take it all in.

Rakim performs at the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Rakim performs at the Masters of the Mic Tour while DJ The 33 1/3 looks on. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

EPMD came to the stage ready to take over! Rapping songs like "The Crossover", "You Gots to Chill", and "Music"; Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith showed why they are one of Hip Hop's BEST duos. Erick also took the time out to talk about the state of Hip Hop and the dumbing down of the culture. We'd love to hear what he has to say about Iggy Izalea.

Parrish Smith of EPMD performs at the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Erick Sermon of EPMD performs during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

EPMD performs during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Naughty by Nature came to bring the party; charging through hit after hit, from "O.P.P" to "Hip Hop Hooray", and "Craziest". And even though they were in Detroit country, they took the time out to shout out Flint, MI and pay homage to MC Breed!

Naughty by Nature performs during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Vinnie of Naughty by Nature performs during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Treach of Naughty by Nature performs during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

Even though DMX's set started late and ended early; much to the dismay of fans; he was still able to churn out the hits and stalk the stage with the energy we've come to expect. DMX gave a great show with the short amount of time he had, rapping "Get at Me Dog", Get it on the Floor", and "Up in Here". At one point hopping on top of his speakers to perform!

DMX performs during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

DMX performs atop the speakers during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

DMX pays homage to Rakim during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

DMX performing during the Masters of the Mic Tour. (Marissa Pierce/Phashion Phish)

What more can be said about real Hip Hop? When you see it performed live, you're reminded that all of the mess that's out today can not compare. There is nothing like an MC and his DJ, because when it is authentic that is all you need. The dancers, lights, and pyrotechnics are nice, but it's easy to tell when that is just a cover for lack of talent, lyricism, and AUTHENTICITY! Erick Sermon said it best, "If you go to a rap concert and there's no DJ in the background. That is NOT a rap concert." TRUTH Erick, TRUTH!