A celebration of his life will be held October 17
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It’s difficult to write about the devastating loss of Rasar Amani. The magnetic frontman of The Lique, Rasar Amani was a good friend to many and a prominent figure in the Las Vegas music community; one of its most radiant stars.
The longtime emcee came to Las Vegas in 2014 from his hometown of Sacramento to perform in “Vegas Nocturne” at the Cosmopolitan. After the show ended, he joined The Lique in 2015 with bandmates Sean Carbone, Nick Schmitt, Jeremy Klewicki and Jason Corpuz. Their music was a bold and explosive melding of hip-hop, funk, rock and jazz.
The first time we saw them perform was in April 2015 opening for JMSN at Beauty Bar. There they were dressed in black suits with Rasar at the center. If we remember correctly, they started with a nod to the 1985 film “The Last Dragon” with Rasar asking: “Am I the meanest? Am I the prettiest? Am I the baddest mofo lowdown around this town?” “Sho’ nuff!” his bandmates responded after each question.
We had no idea what we were in for. A breathless, whirlwind delivery packed with intricate rhymes over a bed of groovy bass and funky licks. If he hadn’t already won us over, his theatrical, manic performance of “Walk into My Office” would have done it.
His words were insightful, thoughtful, empathetic, funny and empowering. He gave us the best of himself and brought out the best in us. We left each concert with our hearts full and souls energized. That’s why when we launched DTLV Field Trip in May, we had to have him on stage at the first one, to guide us out of the pandemic fog.
Rasar returned to Field Trip on September 24. He brought more friends this time, including jazz musician Ronnie Foster, who performed his “Mystic Brew” before The Lique worked it into A Tribe Called Quest’s “Electric Relaxation.”
Rasar watched in awe as Ronnie launched into a lengthy keyboard solo, Rasar’s smile so big his eyes squinted, his head nodding from side-to-side as if in disbelief. That’s the same way we looked at Rasar.
We were gutted to learn he passed just four days later. We still are.
Join The Lique and friends for a celebration of Rasar’s life on Sunday, October 17 from 6 p.m.to 9 p.m. at Fergusons Downtown.
You can also support his family to assist with costs associated with his untimely passing. Please consider donating to their GoFundMe campaign.
Thank you for your words, music and friendship. Rest well, Rasar.
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