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Axios
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
How Philly's Hip Hop in the Park became a tour de force
The vibe came before the name. But festival founder Christian "TAMEARTZ" Rodriguez knew he had something that'd stick once his friend said, "This feels like hip hop in the park." Why it matters: As Philly struggles to retain marquee hip-hop shows, an event that started as a benefit concert for Puerto Rico following the devastating hurricane in 2017 has grown into a local tour de force. Driving the news: This Saturday marks five years for Hip Hop in the Park, a milestone celebration headlined by DJs Rich Medina and Cosmo Baker expected to draw about 15,000 people to Eakins Oval. This year's festival lineup — incorporating all four elements of hip-hop (MC-ing, DJ-ing, break dancing and graffiti) — is DJ-heavy, with someone new spinning every half-hour. It also includes appearances from Philly underground rap legend The Last Emperor and the Juice Crew's Craig G. The intrigue: Now that the future of Jay-Z's Made in America festival remains in limbo, these free, community-focused events take on elevated importance, Rodriguez tells Axios. Hip Hop in the Park is a truly Philly affair, with talented graffiti artists once again live painting on a box truck donated by Human Robot Brewery, which is releasing a special-edition lager for the event. Herr's — the local potato heads known for concocting quirky new flavors — is giving away thousands of bags of chips. Zoom in: The festival has grown from humble roots, with no budget or backers when it started as a 2018 fundraiser at a small North Philly park with about 200 attendees. But Rodriguez had proof of his concept. In 2021, he had a small budget, and German-based streetwear and sneaker giant Snipes (its domestic headquarters are in Philly) agreed to sponsor the show, which was moved to the Oval. It's grown there ever since. Now the fête boasts 20 loyal sponsors and a $50,000 spending plan.
Black America Web
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Roxannes Revenge - How A Teenage Battle Rapper Changed Hip-Hop Forever
Source: Richard Bord / Getty 2024 will be remembered as the year of the diss track. In addition to Kendrick and Drake going back and forth, we saw battles between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice & Latto, Quavo & Chris Brown. Even Marlon Wayans wrote a country diss track against Soulja Boy. As we celebrate Black Music Month, it's only right that we credit the first diss track to become a viral sensation. At just 10, Roxanne Shanté was making noise in the underground rap scene. By 14, she was an undefeated battle rapper and a member of the Juice Crew. That opportunity came when she ran into neighbors Marley Marl, Mr. Magic, and Tyrone Williams, who were frustrated after U.T.F.O. backed out of a show. Though hesitant at first, Shanté was convinced to record a freestyle that became a seven-minute track disrupting U.T.F.O's plans. The diss track played on U.T.F.O's unreleased song 'Roxanne Roxanne', Which Shanté used as fuel freestyled from the woman in the song's perspective, to mock the group's manhood. 'Roxanne's Revenge' was released in 1984, reached #22 on Billboard, sold over 250,000 copies in New York, and sparked what's known as the 'Roxanne Wars', a battle resulting in over 30 response tracks. STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! This catapulted Shanté from local battle rapper to Juice Crew member, earning her recognition as one of hip-hop's best battle rappers. Roxanne was a rising star credited by Nas as an inspiration. But with fame came challenges, especially for a dark-skinned girl under 18. Beyond battling rappers, she faced physical and sexual abuse, foster care, colorism, and sexism. Decades later, women like Megan Thee Stallion, Latto, and GloRilla face similar backlash. Yet, like Shanté, they respond with bars that prove they can outrap men in the genre while facing systemic challenges. Source: Al Pereira / Getty Today, Roxanne Shanté's legacy lives on as a blueprint for authenticity in hip-hop. From lighting the Empire State Building during hip-hop's 50th anniversary to hosting on LL Cool J's Rock The Bells Radio, and receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Grammy Ceremony, Shanté continues to champion the culture she helped define. Her journey from teenage battle rapper to respected pioneer has inspired generations of female MCs to speak their truth without apology. Source: ETIENNE LAURENT / Getty LIKE US ON FACEBOOK . FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM & TWITTER . SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE . STAY INFORMED! CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! HEAD TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Line-up announced for South Facing Festival in Crystal Palace Park
South Facing Festival has announced an all-day hip-hop event featuring Busta Rhymes, Redman, and Big Daddy Kane. The event, set for August 15, 2025, at Crystal Palace Park, promises a day of performances from some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Busta Rhymes, known for his rapid-fire delivery and chart-topping hits, will headline the festival. Rap icon Busta Rhymes brings legendary energy to Crystal Palace Bowl (Image: Busta Rhymes) The rapper, who has been a significant figure in the hip-hop scene since the release of his debut album 'The Coming' in 1996, is expected to deliver a high-energy set filled with classic anthems and deep cuts. With 11 Grammy nominations and a legacy of lyrical excellence, Busta Rhymes' performance is anticipated to be a highlight of the festival. Joining Busta Rhymes on the stage will be Redman, a New Jersey rapper known for his funk-infused style and sharp punchlines. Redman first gained recognition in the early '90s after mentorship from EPMD and has since released a string of gold and platinum albums. His raw lyricism and energetic delivery have made him a staple in the hip-hop industry. Big Daddy Kane, a Grammy Award-winning rapper and a member of the rap group the Juice Crew, is also part of the line-up. Known for his influence and skill in the hip-hop world, Big Daddy Kane's song 'Ain't No Half-Steppin' was ranked #25 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time. Chali 2na, known for his work with Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli, will also be performing. His deep baritone voice and dynamic stage presence have made him a fan favourite. The festival will also feature performances from Supa Dupa Fly, HHBITD, Don't Flop, and Hip Hop Chip Shop DJs. South Facing Festival is a multi-day, open-air event held each summer in the Crystal Palace Bowl. The festival offers a variety of street food and drink options and is easily accessible from London and the South East via various train and bus routes. Announcements for this year have included performances from Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Basement Jaxx, Skepta's Big Smoke festival, Flackstock, and Mogwai. Previous years have seen performances from Grace Jones, Damian Marley, Supergrass, Sleaford Mods, The English National Opera, Richard Ashcroft, Becky Hill, Bombay Bicycle Club, Jungle, and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Tickets for the hip-hop event will go on sale on Friday, May 2, at 10am. The festival organisers have promised more acts will be announced in the coming weeks. The South Facing Festival is known for its diverse line-up and unique open-air setting. The Crystal Palace Bowl, where the festival is held, has a rich history and has hosted numerous iconic performances over the years. The festival is not just about music. It also offers a range of food and drink options, including street food, craft ale, and a rum shack. The festival is easily accessible from various parts of London and the South East, thanks to the multiple train and bus routes that service the area. The Crystal Palace (TfL Overground and National Rail), Penge West (TfL Overground and National Rail), and Gipsy Hill (National Rail) stations all provide convenient access to the festival grounds. The announcement of the hip-hop event has generated excitement among fans, who are eagerly awaiting the chance to see some of the biggest names in the industry perform live. With more acts yet to be announced, the South Facing Festival is shaping up to be a highlight of the summer festival season. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the South Facing Festival website.
