PRINTTripl3 Crown performs in memory of fallen friend
Local hip-hop trio reunites on stage after seven-year hiatus
Photograph by Caitlin Jones
Patrick Fielder, Jeff Blumer and Brandt McCarville are back in the studio.
June 21, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Tripl3 Crown hadn’t performed together in seven years. When the hip-hop group began in 1998, it was energized by the collegiate fire of friends Jeff Blumer, Patrick Fielder and Brandt McCarville. That fire was rekindled on Oct. 1, 2011. It was then, with each member in his 30s, that the trio decided to pick up the mics again and perform a benefit show for their friend Jesse, who died of cancer earlier that year. It was supposed to be a one-time performance.
However, after getting another taste of playing together, the men reclaimed their stage names of Dirty Deedz, Fetti and B-Smooth and restarted Tripl3 Crown. They returned with new shows, new songs and a new outlook, all in honor of Jesse’s memory. According to the group, Jesse was a dedicated fan of hip-hop and an ardent supporter of Tripl3 Crown. His passion for both inspired the show and the group’s reformation.
Nifty 250, Tripl3 Crown, Nappy Roots
Where: The Blue Note
When: June 29, 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $10
Call: 874-1944
Online: thebluenote.com
After the show successfully raised $1,400 for the Jimmy V Foundation, a charity to find a cure for cancer, the trio kicked off 2012 with two opening slots at Mojo’s. This month the group is fulfilling two dreams by playing at The Blue Note with their idols Nappy Roots.
Tripl3 Crown splits time between writing new songs, promoting its music and meeting the demands of full-time jobs and families. Fielder and McCarville work for the Red Cross, and Blumer works in MU’s department of computer science. The three have also become fathers. Blumer says nap times make perfect windows for hammering out song details.
These lifestyle changes shifted the group’s song writing methods and the songs themselves. The trio has moved from the anger of its youth to feel-good themes of having fun with laid-back beats and breezy party jams. According to manager Luke Gorham, this is exactly what the group aims to bring to every show: a party.
Fielder says: “When I was writing 10 years ago, I was mad at the world, kind of following that whole gangsta rap trend. But now, I’m not mad at anything.”
“Yeah, I mean you shouldn’t be,” McCarville says. “Well, maybe mad at your taxes?”
Looking toward the future, Tripl3 Crown is focusing on playing more shows and starting parties across the Columbia music scene.
“I don’t consider the beginning as the prime anymore,” Blumer says.
“Yeah, that was just the warm-up,” Fielder says.
We would really like to thank Miranda Morgan and Caitlin Jones for giving us the opportunity to tell our story. We would also like to thank VOX and the rest of the staff for the amount of work they do to support and showcase what the local music scene has to offer. We appreciate all our opportunities given and have been blessed to work with some of Columbia's finest musicians, engineers, venues, and bar staff. Sincerely, the boys of Tripl3 Crown.
Posted by Jeff Blumer on Jun 21, 2012 at 1:38 p.m. (Report Comment)
Where can I buy Tripl3 Crown music?
Posted by S M on Aug 17, 2012 at 9:35 a.m. (Report Comment)