BHF10: Live Under The Brooklyn Bridge

It wasn’t the vendors, graffiti hats, Japanese gourmet (maybe it was a little bit), and beer in tow that kept me captivated. It wasn’t the mass of volunteers, the all-access earpieces that kept the communication flowing, or the brightly colored passes that deciphered Bodega family from the onlookers either. It was the weather. A metaphor for Hip-Hop’s longevity; the sunshine standing for our initiation into the musical world, the rain for the soldiers we’ve lost and the turbulence along the way, and the light after the storm, symbolic of falling and getting back up again. All of this was overcast by a bridge leading uptown to where it all began. Every staff member was a simile, audience the stanzas, and performers the iambic pentameter. After all Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival could only be described in one word….poetry.

At a Bodega affair, who else would be fitting enough to open the show? A Bodega signee and two Show & Prove Alumni. Savannah Boogie Music’s, Aquil, alongside Kalae All Day and The Crowd opened the show by storm. Although that’s exactly what was brewing, the grey clouds rolled in with Aquil’s tight verses over a compilation of classic Hip-Hop beats.

“This is for the emcees, DJ’s, rap writers, beat breakers….”

The Crowd, an eclectic crew repping Philly, The Bronx, and Paris, France followed up with a variation of beat box, quick spits, and a soulful voice. The trio comprised of Akil Dasan, Randy Mason, and Adeline, brought two guitars and incomparable harmony to the stage. They started with their YouTube hit “Music”, followed by “We Came to Rock” and versatile impromptu verses spit between sound difficulties and Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody”. Even with the constant adjusting, “The Crowd” kept the audience severely entertained. They truly embodied the phrase, “The Show Must Go On.”

Kalae All Day—Ms. Black Dynamite—rocked out after The Crowd, literally. With a star studded jacket, fro-hawk, and SERIOUS frames shading her eyes, she entered stage right with no fear. “You couldn’t read me if I was a…..book.” A lyrical songstress, as I like to call her, embraced her sets with her rhymes over a solid drum beat, freestyle over the introduction to “The Boondocks”, and her single “OG Lyrical Bookbagger” sans Homeboy Sandman. After her performance she stated, “I feel hot, and sweaty, and dope. I’m happy for the opportunity.”

Following the newcomers, another Savannah Boogie production, Those Chosen, alongside Diamond District and The Money Making Jam Boys took the stage one after the other. Emcees duo and trio style sauntered to the very tip of the stage on to the speakers near the edge to convey their messages to the attendees. While Diamond District— Oddisee, X.O., and yU — were awkwardly synchronized Temptations style during “Streets Won’t Let Me Chill”, the main emcee spitting would withdraw from the last word on each bar so the other two could emphasize for him. I’m all for working as a team but, just like on the track, each emcee should get his shine. The overt sync took away from their live performance and allowed Those Chosen and Money Making Jam Boys to shine a little bit brighter. Those Chosen — Japetto, Kornbread, and Foreshadow — brought amazing energy to BHHF and had young cats bobbing their heads and memorizing their hooks. The Money Making Jam Boys came through with their own theme music which onset a gradual “Ooooo” from the crowd. While other groups came with repetitive hooks, they decided to keep it predominately lyrical. Switching the roles of hype man—accurately fading into the background—allowed each emcee enough time on the microphone to show their capability.

Celebrating fifteen years of independence, artists from DuckDown Records came through to elevate the spot. Mario, a 47-year-old from Brooklyn, stated, “Smif N Wessun, that’s all I came here to see.” The celebration also brought through Skyzoo, Buckshot, Black Moon, 5FT, DJ Evil Dee and other members of the Boot Camp Clik. Although Torae was an excellent host, these dudes needed no introduction. As each emcee took his turn to the mic, the fans spit word for word the old school and new joints performed.

Emcee and producer, Black Milk also had visible fans. Spitting his lines bar for bar was Terry, a 16-year-old from Sunset Park who said, “I came to see De La Soul and Pete Rock but I didn’t know Black Milk was going to be here. I was about to leave to get something to eat and then I saw him and said, ‘What!?’” Black Milk performed songs, “So Gone” and “Welcome (Gotta Go)” as well as many others. Chain swinging low and Nike’s on serious fresh status, the emcee is a force to be reckoned with.

One of my favorite emcees, Fashawn, stood backstage rhyming the words to “Kweli” before his set. Rocking a Fresno jersey with his name inscribed on his back he wasted no time telling us his life story. Ripping with songs such as, “The Ecology”, “Samsonite Man”, and “Life as a Shorty” — he lives up to his storyteller reputation during his live performance. Coming through incredibly clear on the microphone and a master at working the stage; Fashawn left the multitude pleased.

Curren$y Spitta also came through with tracks from his new LP — Pilot Talk — that dropped on his self-made label, JETS. As I’ve said before, Curren$y isn’t a rapper, he’s a mood. Setting an aura, making music mostly for the smokers, he causes his fans to zone out with usually the faint smell of smolder in the air. Having just experienced his live show at SOB’s during BIG K.R.I.T.’s Def Jam Signing Party, I can definitely say he had way more energy. Perhaps this is due to his album drop on July 13th? Yeah, indubitably.

After the new school blessed the stage, the veterans came through. Masta Ace, Marley Marl, and Craig G brought “The Symphony” to BHF10, literally. “I keep just going and flowing, just like a river.” (I bet you don’t know why I chose that quote.) The crowd went wild upon hearing Masta Ace introduce his fellow comrade “Next up, it’s Craig G on the mic!”

J. Period also came through with a line of special guests such as Dres, Premo, and Nice and Smooth. However soon after, something epic occurred — Pete Rock and CL Smooth back on stage after a 6 year hiatus, performing together like they’d never left. The duo commanded attention performing classics like “Straighten Out” and “TROY.”

The grand finale, headliner De La Soul took the stage with the largest crowd. The gates were gradually filling through the evening but, were almost to capacity with the entrance of the trio. Posdnuos took the lead—front and center—most of the time. The trio didn’t cease to amaze as they’ve done for decades. The three emcees—also comprised of Dave and Maseo—took BHF10 through a time machine. They performed, “Getting’ Down at the Amphitheatre”, “Potholes In My Lawn”, “Stakes is High”, “Me, Myself, and I”, “Saturday”, “BreakADawn”, “Grind Date”, “Bionix” and “Oooh, Ooh, Ooh” — covering songs from every album except Are You In?.

Between sets the “J Dilla Emsemble” from Berklee College led by faculty member Brian “Raydar” Ellis and lead Jonquel performed recomposed works by J Dilla himself. The group stated, “We just get together and play Dilla joints. We hear the original and play it by ear. This is our first real show.” The ensemble also performed at the Bodega Education Initiative panel discussions with Ma Dukes Yancey, J Dilla’s mother, and rapper Q-Tip at the Brooklyn Historical Society.

There was a high after the festival—no not just after Curren$y’s set—drifting underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, lacing the promenade, lingering in the ears of old Hip-Hop heads and hipsters alike. It was over, allowing mainstream minds to descend into the underground and elevate to a euphoria that’s only possible once a year. Prodigies, philosophers, and composers met in a safe space and rose from ashes unstirred for years. The emcees—not entertainers—committed arson on microphones (thank God we were near the water) while police and volunteers guarded our treasured genre. This is that unforgettable high, leaving the ghosts of smoldering microphones somewhere in Dumbo, Brooklyn. If you’re lucky, you might just catch contact.

Follow RivaFlowz on Twitter: @RivaFlowz

ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT: J.PERIOD LIVE MIXTAPE RETURNS TO 2010 BROOKLYN HIP HOP FESTIVAL! SURPRISE SPECIAL GUESTS!

Brooklyn, NY July 8, 2010 Brooklyn Bodega & Mixtape King J.Period (Official DJ Hero) are pleased to announce another exciting edition of the J.PERIOD LIVE MIXTAPE-an electrifying 30-minute DJ set featuring a TOP SECRET LINE-UP OF HIP HOP LEGENDS – live onstage for the 5th consecutive year at BROOKLYN HIP HOP FESTIVAL (SATURDAY, JULY 10, 2010)

The “J.Period Live Mixtape” brings the excitement of a J.Period mixtape to the stage – LIVE! – and has become notorious for igniting the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival crowd into a frenzy year after year! Previous “J.Period Live Mixtape” surprise guests have included: Black Thought, Brand Nubian, Crooklyn Dodgers (Special Ed, Masta Ace + Buckshot), EPMD, Smif’n'Wessun, Chubb Rock, O.C., Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew) & more…

Fans never know who will take the stage next – some guests are planned and some are completely impromptu – but the result is always one of the highlights of the Festival. When Black Thought took the stage for the finale of 2009’s Live Mixtape, the roar of the crowd was deafening – and his freestyle over “Brooklyn Go Hard” was unforgettable (WATCH or DOWNLOAD FREE).

This year, J.Period has assembled another all-star cast of hip hop legends guaranteed to bring BHF fans to their feet…but the secret is under wraps until showtime!!! Hints?  One guest will pay tribute to a fallen comrade… One guest will keep the Native Tongues alive… One guest will illustrate how a real MC controls the crowd… And the grand finale…? We ain’t sayin nothin. Any guesses?

Join Brooklyn Bodega, Saturday July 10, under the bridge in DUMBO Brooklyn, for an amazing lineup of hip hop, with headlining acts including: De La Soul, Boot Camp Clik, Money Makin Jam Boys and the “J.Period Live Mixtape.” It’s guaranteed to be another incredible year at Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2010… Don’t miss it!!!

–

Brooklyn Bodega is a multimedia content production and branding company. Our brand extends into event production, journalism and critical media analysis, digital and grassroots marketing, radio, video, and content distribution. While The Bodega is best known for producing New York City’s largest Hip-Hop event, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, our expertise also manifests in Brooklyn Bodega Radio, Bodega TV, our blogazine and online home BrooklynBodega.com, and most recently Savannah Boogie Music and Song – a digital content distributor.

The Bodega is made up of an extraordinary group of cultural programmers, marketing professionals, writers, designers and academics who have heeded their own personal call to action and have dedicated themselves to the celebration and preservation of Hip-Hop culture.

For more info on The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival visit our Facebook page, BrooklynBodega.com, and follow us on Twitter.com/bkhiphopfest.

PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE 2010 BHF HERE

DIAMOND DISTRICT, RAKAA IRISCIENCE, DJ BABU, LARGE PROFESSOR, UNCLE RALPH MCDANIELS ADDED TO BHF10 WEEK

[Brooklyn, NY, June 14, 2010] Brooklyn Bodega, and The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (BHF), announces today the addition of Diamond District, Large Professor, Rakaa Iriscience, DJ Babu and Uncle Ralph McDaniels to the 2010 lineup.

DC’s own Diamond District will perform on the 6th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival’s main stage. Two-thirds of California trio Dilated Peoples, Rakaa Iriscience and DJ Babu, will bring their West Coast stylings to the thousands in attendancel. Hip-Hop pioneer, entrepreneur and visionary, Uncle Ralph McDaniels will again host for the fifth time. The legendary Large Professor will be on the wheels of steel during the Show & Prove Super Bowl on Monday, July 5th.

“Diamond District released one of the best albums of 2009 with ‘In The Ruff’. For a lot of people BHF ’10 will be their first taste of the Washington, D.C. trio and they will not be disappointed. We’re also honored to have Rakaa Iriscience and DJ Babu on hand, further highlighting Hip-Hop’s cross-regional artistry. And of course we are honored to have our mentor, Uncle Ralph back as our host. His dedication to Hip-Hop for over 20 years is our inspiration. If that was not enough The Extra Large Professor will be joining us for July 5th’s ‘Show and Prove’ Super Bowl. A great lineup just got better.” – Wes Jackson, Executive Director, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

Diamond District, Rakaa Iriscience, DJ Babu and Large Professor join a BHF 2010 lineup loaded with some of the best in Hip Hop: Black Milk, Masta Ace, Bobbito Garcia, DJ Rob Swift, DJ Spinna, Waajeed, DJ Rhettmatic, Money Making Jam Boys, Curren$y, Fashawn, Skyzoo, the Duck Down Records 15th Anniversary celebration featuring Buckshot, 5FT, Smif N Wessun and DJ Evil Dee, and the BHF 2010 headliner, the legendary De La Soul.

About the Artists

Diamond District – This D.C. threesome is composed of MC and producer Oddisee and former solo artists X.O. & YU. The highly anticipated debut album, In the Ruff, is the answer to any questions about where all the grimy East Coast Hip Hop has gone. The group was founded by rapper/producer Oddisee, who has a long list of production & collaboration credits with the likes of Freeway, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Little Brother, Charles Hamilton, Jazzy Jeff, J-Live, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Skyzoo, and many more. In The Ruff is available for purchase at myspace.com/diamonddistrictdmv.

DJ Babu – One-third of Hip-Hop trio Dilated Peoples, Babu has won multiple DJ ITF titles and Vestax World Championships. Also a member of the Beat Junkies DJ crew, he is famous for redefining the art of beat juggling and producing arguably the genre’s most popular battle record, Super Duck Breaks.

Large Professor – Also known as The Extra P, The Large Professor originally became involved in Hip Hop when he won a tryout held by Main Source members K-Cut and Sir Scratch in 1989. With Main Source they released the classic album ‘Breaking Atoms’ with the hit singles “Looking At The Front Door” among others. He soon after became a full-time producer working with the likes of Big Daddy Kane, A Tribe Called Quest, Eric B. & Rakim, Nas, and Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. His 2002 solo debut, 1st Class, featured appearances by artists including Nas, Q-Tip, and Busta Rhymes.

Rakaa Iriscience – A true Hip-Hop veteran, Rakaa was a graffiti artist before becoming an Emcee. He is a member of the legendary Rock Steady Crew, Universal Zulu Nation, and one-third of California trio, Dilated Peoples. Rakaa’s solo debut album, Crown of Thorns, will be released on July 20, 2010 on Decon Records.

“Uncle” Ralph McDaniels – Uncle Ralph is the original creator of the Video Music Box, the first music video program geared specifically towards an urban market. Video Music Box was the precursor to programs like BET’s Rap City and 106 & Park, as well as MTV’s TRL, making McDaniels a true pioneer throughout all of music and entertainment. Visit myspace.com/uncleralph for more information.

——

The calendar for the 6th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival kicks off with Show & Prove on Monday, July 5th. This Hip-Hop showcase highlighting independent and local talent is the final event of Brooklyn Bodega’s three month Show & Prove competition.

Tuesday, July 6th will feature the Bodega Education Initiative, a day of panel discussions and seminars about legendary producer, J Dilla. Speakers include Q-Tip, “Ma Dukes” Yancey, DJ Spinna and more.

Wednesday, July 7th is a mini Film Festival featuring a variety of Hip-Hop films followed by Q&A with established and aspiring filmmakers.

Thursday, July 8th is a night dedicated to the backbone of Hip-Hop: the DJ. It will feature performances by the best DJs from across the country.

Saturday, July 10th is the culmination of the 2010 Festival. De La Soul will headline the 6th Annual BHF on the DUMBO waterfront. The festivities kick off with Family Day, a block party for families and children celebrating Hip Hop’s central message — social change and individual empowerment.

——

Brooklyn Bodega is a multimedia content production and branding company. Our brand extends into event production, journalism and critical media analysis, digital and grassroots marketing, radio, video, and content distribution. While The Bodega is best known for producing New York City’s largest Hip-Hop event, The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, our expertise also manifests in Brooklyn Bodega Radio, Bodega TV, our blogazine and online home BrooklynBodega.com, and most recently Savannah Boogie Music and Song — a digital content distributor.

The Bodega is made up of an extraordinary group of cultural programmers, marketing professionals, writers, designers and academics who have heeded their own personal call to action and have dedicated themselves to the celebration and preservation of Hip-Hop culture.

For more info on The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival visit our Facebook page, BrooklynBodega.com, and follow us on Twitter.com/bkhiphopfest.

PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE 2010 BHF HERE

Pamela Bishop
Senior Brand Manager
718.210.3340 pamela@brooklynbodega.com

Ryan Hobbs
Marketing
718.210.3340 ryan@brooklynbodega.com

BHF Alumni: J. Period, No Rest For the Mixtape Heavyweight!

J. PERIOD: NO REST FOR THE MIXTAPE HEAVYWEIGHT!

By Ron Grant

The presence of mixtape master J. Period has been felt BHF for the last two go rounds in 2008 and 2009. And ever since, it looks like there haven’t been many restful days for one of today’s most sought-after DJs.

Just take a glance at the 2009 J. had:  the release of five big-name mixtape tributes for artists including Nneka, Biggie, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and the late, great Michael Jackson. A multi-tribute mixtape composed of work by K’Naan, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan AND Fela Kuti.  A feature on the biggest game of 2009, DJ Hero.  A total of 800,000 downloads for his online mixtapes.  Even a video remix collection for B.I.G. available at www.jperiod.com/march9 that was made available in April 2009!

And it hasn’t stopped there. According to info from http://www.jperiod.com/news/, the L.A. DJ and mix master is featured in DJ Times magazine as one of the premiere DJs for career advice and studio tips. J. was also recently featured on an episode of BET’s “The Deal”. Viewers were treated to an interview between host DJ Diamond Kuts and J. about his time in the industry; his accomplishments, collaborations, production techniques and much more.

To add some icing on the cake, J. was the featured DJ at last weeks’ (May 20) BRM “Not Without A Fight” benefit event, a fundraiser to help save Beyond Race Magazine right here in NY. At the Santos Party House, J. rocked an early set with some of his most exclusive remixes from the likes of Black Thought, Kweli and Q-Tip, and held it down all night long in between artists. And it was all for a great cause.

It’s clear that the life of a DJ in today’s hip hop game is not for the faint of heart or for those that value sleep, and J. Period is a big-time example of just that.  For more info, visit the official site at http://www.jperiod.com/, http://www.myspace.com/jperiod, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jperiodbk, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jperiodbk.

J.Period & Uncle Ralph McDaniels: March 9

New York, NY (Tuesday March 9, 2010) – Whether remixing Lauryn Hill, Q-Tip, K’NAAN or Nneka, J.Period Mixtapes have been hailed for their “cinematic” quality, weaving remixes, interviews, and sound bytes into mixtapes that play like movies. Now, J.Period joins forces with another visual storyteller, hip hop’s undisputed video king, “Uncle” Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box, The Bridge), to push these boundaries even further with the March 9: Video Remix Collection.

Since March 9, 2007 (the 10th Anniversary of B.I.G.’s passing), J.Period has paid tribute to Brooklyn’s Finest each year with a new installment of the March 9 Project, co-produced by DJ G Brown. Named 2008’s “Top Street Albums” by MTV, March 9 re-imagines classic B.I.G. verses over different musical landscapes, wondering: what would hip hop be like if B.I.G. were still alive? Now, pairing exclusive March 9 remixes with B.I.G. music videos, J.Period & Ralph McDaniels offer a glimpse of what that might look like—a thrilling optical illusion: B.I.G., alive on celluloid, performing new versions of classic tracks in a way you’ve never seen or heard before.

On March 9, 2010, J.Period and “Uncle” Ralph were pleased to present the first installment of the March 9: Video Remix Collection: “Flava in Ya Ear (March 9 Video Remix),” a club-shattering blend of old and new that will have you pressing the rewind button… repeatedly. Then tonight, join J.Period & Ralph McDaniels as they premiere additional videos from the March 9: Video Remix Collection at Diddy & Mr. Cee’s B.I.G. Tribute at The Lab in Brooklyn, NY!! And later this month, tune in as BET’s “The Deal” premieres March 9: Video Remixes as part of its own B.I.G. tribute. Want the latest? All March 9: Video Remixes and original remixes will be available throughout the month at: www.jperiod.com/march9

“I’m thrilled to be working with a legend like “Uncle” Ralph, who is still so passionate and creative after 25 years in the game,” says J.Period. “Ralph’s vast knowledge of hip hop makes him the perfect collaborator for what I do. Teaming up to pay tribute to B.I.G. felt like the perfect way to spark that collaboration.”

Ralph echoes this sentiment: “It’s been a pleasure working with J.Period. What he creates is more than just a CD, or mixtape. He’s like a documentarian. The collabo on this March 9 project is gonna be crazy…”

J.Period released the March 9: Video Remix Collection on the heels of a featured role in Activision’s blockbuster DJ Hero (2009’s #1 ranked video game), and a stirring collaboration with Nigerian rising star, Nneka, called The Madness. Released in December to rave reviews (Beyond Race Magazine’s “Top Albums of 2009”), The Madness has already earned over 80.000 plays/downloads. Indeed, 2009 marked a banner year for J.Period downloads, with his 5 mixtape tributes (Q-Tip, Kweli, K’NAAN, Nneka, MJ) earning over 800K downloads throughout the year.

To anyone that knows hip hop, Ralph McDaniels needs no introduction. For over 25 years, no name has been more synonymous with hip hop videos than “Uncle” Ralph, legenadary VJ and creator of Video Music Box. Since 1984, “Uncle” Ralph has directed over 200 music videos for hip hop icons including Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Ice-T, and Blackmoon, worked on countless hip hop films (associate producer for Juice), and truly earned his moniker: “The King of All Videos.” In recent years, Ralph has also seized on technology to create groundbreaking audio/visual DJ sets that draw from his vast video archive, performing at clubs and arenas around the world. This video-mixing technology was key in the creation of the March 9: Video Remix Collection.

The March 9: Video Remix Collection launched yesterday, March 9, 2010 at www.jperiod.com/march9 and will features a new video each week this month, culminating in the release of a full-length video mixtape, the March 9: Video Remix Collection, scheduled for release in April. And with the blueprint laid out, look out for more upcoming collaborations between J.Period & Ralph McDaniels in the future!

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For All Press Inquiries, Please Contact::
Tasha Stoute
Strong Arm Media
press@jperiod.com
tasha@strongarmmedia.com
516-650-7725j

Black Thought @ BHF ‘09 plus audio of ‘Brooklyn We Go Hard’ remix

One of the highlights of the fantastic 5th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival was the surprise appearance of Black Thought.

Peep the audio J.Period feat. Black Thought
“Brooklyn Go Hard (Live at Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2009)”

and video courtesy of rule4080.com

Keith Murray rocks at BHF ‘08 – classic footage

Shot by Bodega videographers Big Natural Productions.
From the upcoming Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival DVD which will be available at this year’s festivities on June 20th.

Classic Keith Murray as he rocks his verse from “I Shot Ya” and “The Most Beautifullest Thing In The World”
as a part of J Period’s set. This was definitely one of the highlights from last year.
Look for J Period to bring even more heat this year.

Keith Murray at BHF ‘08 from Brooklyn Bodega on Vimeo.

Pharoahe Monch, Styles P and J Period added to BHF ‘09

Brooklyn Bodega announced three additions to the lineup for the 5th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. Joining Smif N Wessun will be Pharoahe Monch, Styles P and J Period.

This unique lineup of Hip-Hop acts is a testament to the diversity that the Festival represents.

The intelligent and critically acclaimed Pharoahe Monch is on board for this year’s event. Monch is most known for his smash single, “Simon Says” from 1999’s Internal Affairs album and his classic collaboration with Mos Def and Nate Dogg “On No”, however he is far from a flash in the pan rapper. He was the co-founder of the legendary duo Organized Konfusion with partner Prince Po. Monch has been pushing the envelope on lyricism and artistry for almost twenty years and there is no sign of him letting up anytime soon. With a new album, Desire, and collaborations with producers The Alchemist and Black Milk, old school to new school alike respect the Pharoahe. His unique delivery and wordplay make him one of the most popular New York rappers and we at the Brooklyn Bodega are excited to have him on board.

Styles P will be adding his no nonsense lyrical style to the 5th Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. As the landscape of hip-hop is changing with many eclectic artists labeled everything from emo-rap to hipster rap, there are still MCs who give you the streets, straight no chaser, no fairy tales, no lies. Styles P is one of the game’s premier MCs with an unwavering and relentless delivery. Styles first stormed the scene as a member of The LOX. The trio consisting of Styles, Jadakiss and Sheek Louch were part of the original Ruff Ryders family that including DMX and Eve. The LOX released the classics, “Money, Power, Respect” and “Wild Out.” After leaving Bad Boy the trio has embarked on successful solo careers. Styles P dropped his solo debut A Gangsta and A Gentlemen in 2002 and since has dropped two other solo albums and countless mixtapes. He recently released the hit single, “Blow Your Mind” with longtime producer and mentor Swizz Beats. Styles is one of the few MC’s in the marketplace who can move between the mainstream and backpack/progressive space with ease and respect.

Mixtape impresario J Period has been a staple of the Festival for years. His sets have produced some of the best highlights from the Festival. Keith Murray, Parrish Smith, Jeru, Chubb Rock, Crazy Legs and more. J Period’s exclusive mixtapes featuring Q-Tip and Lauryn Hill are industry standards. This year J Period and Brooklyn Bodega are taking the execution up a notch by producing a live Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival mixtape featuring performances from all the acts and guests that hit the stage. Contributors to the live mixtape will be rolled out every week between now and June 20th.

Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Executive Director Wes Jackson, “We are more than pleased when we look at our lineup so far. Our goal has always been to unite the Hip-Hop audience under one banner. Monch, Styles and Smif N Wessun represent different branches of the Hip-Hop tree. They defy the labels stamped on them. Monch is conscious rapper who is at equal ease on the bully pulpit as he is in the club. Some know him for Organized Konfusion’s ‘Releasing Hypnotical Gasses.’ Some know him for the anthem ‘Simon Says.’ Styles is supposed to be a gangster rapper but has done some of his best work with Talib Kweli. His song ‘I’m Black’ was one of the most provocative and conscious songs of the past 10 years. So provocative that he risked his deal with Interscope just to get it out. Smif N Wessun is a local act that are just as popular in Japan as they are in Crown Heights. And J Period is the glue that keeps us all connected. This lineup is diversity. This is Hip-Hop. Hopefully we can get Styles and Monch to do ‘My Life.’”

Styles P, Pharoahe Monch and J Period will be joining Brooklyn’s own Smif N Wessun who were announced last week. Dru Ha, Co-Owner of Duck Down Records
“The Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival is one of the most talked about events of the Spring. Brooklynites line up hours in advance of the show to partake in what has become a yearly tradition that provides quality entertainment for the Community. It’s an honor to work with Brooklyn Bodega who strives to unite aspiring artists with renowned veterans. In the words of Smif N Wessun, “Bucktown I represent it on the love love. Deeply routed from my Timbz to my ____.” If you can fill in the rest we already know you’re rocking with us. 360 degrees back home, we’ll see everyone June 20th at Fulton Ferry State Park.”

More acts including the winner of the ‘Show and Prove’ contest will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 5th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival takes place on June 20th, 2009 from 12-8pm at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park.
Tickets are available for a $10 suggestedMy life minimum donation.
VIP and Small Business packages are available.
Click here

There are also sponsorship and vending opportunities. For more info email john@brooklynbodega.com

BK Bounce with the Brother Geology

This Saturday, Jan. 18th: The Brooklyn Bounce & Sprite present Notorious.
In honor of Brooklyn and the full length feature on it’s favorite son, The Notorious B.I.G., we’re bringing out BK’s best as our special guests. Producer/DJ Ge-Ology and Remix/Mixtape King J. Period (doing a special B.I.G. tribute set).
10 PM. LADIES FREE TIL MIDNIGHT. $10 cover. Deity is located at 368 Atlantic Ave. betw/ Hoyt & Bond in downtown Brooklyn.