ARTICLES
RichCity Mixdown: Local Emcees and Outfits
Posted by: – Sep 28, 2009
On August 28th I attended Swerve 36’s Hip Hop showcase at the Triple. It featured mostly local emceess and outfits. I got there a little early so I’d had a couple of drinks while listening to Swerve 36 spin. By the time events started I was primed and ready for the action. I didn’t know what to expect so I was excited to hear some artists I’d never heard.
The event started off with an open freestyle that mostly included the featured artists and some very drunk people. It was very entertaining and gave me a clue as to who’s performance I would enjoy the most. So since it’s a little late to be doing a show review I thought I’d just feature the artists I liked the most. Don’t get it twisted though. Everyone who performed did a fantastic job.
Black Reign
This duo consisting of Sonni Boss and Dolla Bill performed second and I was very impressed by their lyrical flow and production quality of their music. I knew during the Freestyle that I would like them due to Sonni Boss who tore it up. Their music is party music with the gangsta lean. The production is very professional and the two are right on beat with their music. Sonni Boss is from Jersey City, NJ and Dolla Bill from Southside Jamaica Queens, New York. They met on the streets up there where they were both in different crews. Hearing each other spit they decided to sinc up and start their own crew. They have been making a name for themselves pretty quickly here in Richmond. They are finishing up their new cd which should come out near the end of October.
Check out they’re myspace: www.myspace.com/sonniboss
PoeMack
I was even more impressed by this Roanoke, VA artist’s music. He had a shaky start but quickly corrected and put on a bangin’ show. I don’t think I heard him miss a beat during his performance. His new album sounds as professionally produced as any major label album, but better. His multi-genre mix will keep you dancing and your head noddin’. His new album is called 11.0 and is his eleventh release. He’s opened up for major acts like T.I., Ying Yang Twins and Big daddy Kane among others. How he isn’t well known in the underground is beyond me. At least two of his songs from the new album are perfect for radio airplay.
Black Liquid
Black Liquid ended the show on a top note. It was my first time seeing him live and I was very impressed. He was very lively and he kept his flow on time. I had finally heard his cds, which are self made. If he could get in a tight studio and sound like he does live that shit will jump! Not much is known about Black Liquid. Born in California he eventually settled in Virginia. He’s been around the Richmond underground Hip Hop scene from when the Nanci Raygun was open and doing regular Hip Hop events. He’s gaining more popularity everyday. He has a totally unique voice and intelligent lyrics. He’ll be releasing a new EP 10/30 for free online called Black Liquid - FreEP. Oh, and remember Watch Out for the Devil!
youtube.com/blackliqwoftd
So those were the folks that impressed me the most at the show. There should be many more of these types of events here in Richmond. The night was fun and ended on a very positive note. Unfortunately there just aren’t any places that are willing, interested in Hip Hop or can afford the insurance they would have to have to put on an event like this. This is bad. I only attended two artist showcases in a four month period. Both times I witnessed extremely talented people who love what they do. These folks just want to be able to play a show and give people a good time. When will someone look past the negative associations and take a chance.
by Christian Hendrickson, images courtesy of the respected artists
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