Madlib performs at 1015 Folsom in San Francisco on Sept. 3, 2021. Matt Pang/STAFF.

SAN FRANCISCO — Madlib, one of the most legendary figures of hip-hop, was back in the Bay Area Friday. His special DJ set at 1015 Folsom in San Francisco consisted of hip-hop and R&B classics. 

He and long-time collaborator and friend Declaime released In The Beginning Vol 1. in July, but he’s been consistently busy in recent years. Bandana, his album with Freddie Gibbs in 2019, was critically acclaimed. Late last year, he took on jazz, and earlier in 2021, he partnered with Four Tet. He’s also got production credits with the late MF Doom and JDilla.

Fans lined around the block waiting to catch the producer and DJ in person.

Madlib.

Madlib caught everyone off guard and opened by dropping an unreleased Mac Miller song. Lyrics included appreciating his friend, Thundercat, and smoking. These are the unique moments fans of hip-hop and beat production live for. Madlib was not shy about playing unreleased music as one song transitioned to the next. New, never-heard verses from Bandana got time, as did songs from Madlib’s and Freddie Gibbs’ upcoming project, Montana.

Madlib also played remixes and original work by Quasimoto. Classic hits from his albums Yessir Whatever and The Unseen were in rotation. Matching visuals featuring artist Jeff Jank played in the background.

Fans bunched in the front, hoping to get vinyls autographed. Madlib was in good spirits as he poured shots from the stage.

Openers included SNDTRK, Sirplus and Quis Bueno. SNDTRK serenaded the crowd with remixes including Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.”

Toronto artist Lou Phelps, a member of the group The Celestics, appeared with his brother, Grammy winner Kaytranada. The two performed unreleased songs and hit singles from his latest project, EXTRA EXTRA! (2020).