It was a tough decision: stay and watch 2 Live Crew, who were tardy for their SXSW performance at the Levi’s/Fader Fort, or try to catch a cab and ride across the river to see the far more talented and successful Ice Cube. On quality alone, I shouldn’t have been anywhere near the packed “fort,” but quality isn’t what helped the Florida rap group sell more than 2 million copies of “As Nasty as They Wanna Be” nearly 20 years ago — it was juvenile, sexual foolishness.

Since I had already seen Ice Cube perform, and since I found myself a near front-row center spot on the floor, I decided to stay and enjoy the rude, crude, hip-hop Miami schlock. I wasn’t at all disappointed.

2 Live Crew aren’t about fast rhymes, intricate beats or social commentary. They’re about basic, raw, stoopid fun. They are the epitome of lowest common denominator, so it’s OK, the audience rationalizes, for everyone to let down their walls, raise their hands and sing along to the ridiculousness that’s perfect for Spring Break.

Even without Luther Campbell, 2 Live Crew exude a sexual energy and raucous vibe that makes women want to climb onstage and shake their moneymakers. Brother Marquis, along with founding members Chris Wong Won and Mr. Mixx, capably rocked the mic in Mr. Skywalker’s absence. Indeed, that contagious who-gives-a-bleep feeling, booming bass and strangely familiar and elementary lyrics foster a party atmosphere that makes you think, “No wonder the Broward County Sheriff’s Department hated these guys — something dirty was happening and it was hot!”

Several ladies from the audience joined the group onstage, most of whom had no problem dancing suggestively to the hits “Oh, Pretty Woman” and “Me So Horny.” In fact, one enthusiastic woman grinded on Won and Marquis’ knees and later found herself being lightly groped … willingly.

When it was all over, we all felt a little bit groped. Willingly.

– Post and photo by Tony Pierce