The Harlem Of The North Block Party, which was made possible by Kevin Calixte, Natyf TV & a lot of others, brought Montreal a free Ghostface Killah concert.
This two day event is the sequel to last year’s block party, which proved to be the most incredible Hip Hop event in our city last year. As you may know, I missed it but went to the fancy dinner Keke’s team put together. This year it was a two day block party, and I’m missing today’s festivities as I write this.I’m off to Goldenstar Oka to rap with Frime.
A lot of my homies are performing as part of the Mad Monkies showcase during day two of this block party. Also DJ Whoo Kid will be there tonight.
Little Burgundy in Montreal is the “Harlem of the North”.
Once upon a time, our very own Harlem of the North was a mecca of culture.
What I learned last year was that 90% of the black folk in Montreal lived in Burgundy at one time. Inevitably folk spread out and life evolves, but the area has a rich history of art and culture that should not be forgotten. Thus, we have the Harlem of the North block party that went out of its way to pay respect to the history of the area and Hip Hop culture at the same time.
This was a well organized event backed by a lot of funding.
The city clearly had to be involved and it’s amazing to see our government helping prop up Hip Hop as it’s started to do.
It was a nice time in the park.
There is a lineup of artists/DJs performing
I pulled up around 6:00 PM to see Maky Lavender perform (when everyone talks about best in Montreal, and forgets his name, it’s a travesty).
Following Maky I got to see Justice McFly, Chung, Raccoon, a DMS DJ battle & Ghostface Killah. There were people performing all day. It was a cool lineup of people who’ve earned their spot in the city over time, proving their worth.
There was also MPP, the 10ish year old Beatboxing youngun.
Overall the vibe and entertainment was lovely.
The vendors completed the festival atmosphere
Surrounding the border of the park was a bunch of tents.
There were vendors of all sorts ranging from:
The barber
The discount shoe guy
The merch creating company
The massage dude (bro was ready to steal your woman)
A sneaker cleaner (in hindsight I should have done this before dipping)
A few clothing options (including the Mad Monkies tent where we were posted)
Food & Bar
There were a few others. This was a really cool mix of stuff to get. It felt a lot more noteworthy than when you pass by 21 people selling shirts & hats. I don’t know what my expectations are for vendor options, but it’d be cool to see more and more versatile stuff.
It had the community market feel from when I’m out near Sherbrooke, QC by a farmer’s market.
Kevin “Keke” Calixte puts on for the culture
This event was a fun time.
Seeing Ghostface Killah, for free I should add, is a blessing. I spent the night seeing many friends and peers in the scene as we congregated for the love of Hip Hop. Celebrating our city, our peers and enjoying a wonderful griot poutine (that part was me).
I love seeing people take the initiative and pulling it off.
While I wish I was there again today, I must now get ready to go perform by the beach.
If you read this, thanks Kevin, you’re an inspiring guy.
Ghostface Killah brought a bunch of kids on stage
Midway through the set some young 12 year old kid was obnoxiously trying to get a notepad signed.
I believed for a quick minute he may throw it on the stage. He thought about it and decided not to. Ghostface Killah looked at him and said, “I got you”.
A couple of songs later, Ghostface Killah asked for the Notepad. Then went on about how Wu Tang is for the kids and basically invited all the kids on stage. Where they stood for the rest of the show, a gaggle of about 8 of them.
That first kid busted into some breakdancing at one point. Ghostface looked really impressed. He really seemed to love having the 10 & under crowd up there with him. Those kids were blessed with a memory they’ll cherish for life.
That part was really dope.
In full disclosure I forgot what I titled this and wrote this after I thought I was done.
Still, Ghostface really did immediately say fuck the previously scheduled programming, get these kids up here now.
It was a vibe.
Live Long and Prosper Everyone
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