For the past 5 years, Brooklyn Bodega has presented its annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, bringing together some of the most respected names in hip hop. This NYC event is a rare opportunity to see these artist at one time on one stage for a small donation, or even free. Past MC’s to bless the mic have included Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Ghostaface Killa, Consequence and several others. This year’s line up was just as impressive, but unfortunately for many, the rain kept an unlucky bunch away, unlucky because despite the rain, it was an experience that went beyond the amazing performances.

A slew of DJ’s throughout the day kept the crowd amped up for the afternoon show to come. Queens MC Homeboy Sandman hosted the initial group of artists, who while they may not be the biggest names yet, rocked the crowd with the confidence of some of the bigger names that hit the stage later. Standouts included Children of the Night and Brokn Englsh, two trios clearly on their way up the ladder in the industry if their skills are taken seriously by the right folks.
Though officially “Family Day” was over at 4pm, there was still a “no swearing” rule in place for all artists. Understandably most who hit the stage obliged, as there were many children still present. When Video Music Box host and legend Ralph McDaniels hit the stage to take over hosting duties, he stayed on guard with his own language as well. Torae &Marco Polo, Keys N Krates, Brown Bag All Stars and representing for the ladies, Tiye Phoenix all hit the stage and worked the crowd that begged for artists who put lyricism and musicianship 1st, where some could argue it has taken a backseat in the industry. If what the crowd really wanted was in question, it was answered when DJ Parler played “D.O.A (Death of Autotune)” by one of Brooklyn’s finest. The crowd erupted and when the song was stopped, McDaniels himself shouted “Good Riddance” to the audience.

Laughter and agreement washed over the crowd, who was soon introduced to Smif N Wessen who brought out label mate Buckshot to uproarious applause. Next DJ J Period introduced Brand Nubian who did their well known classic that had press and audience members alike rhyming along. As a extra surprise, The Roots front man Black Thought hit the stage and performed. DJ Premier set up next and tested the crowds’ Gangstarr knowledge while bringing turntablism back to the forefront. DJ Green Lantern introduced Dead Prez who came out and performed material from their new album, Pulse of the People, and closing out their set with the classic “Hip Hop” while Green Lantern and crew gave out tickets to their show the following day at the Highline Ballroom.
D-Block was in full effect, with Styles P bringing out Sheek Louch and several D-Block affiliates (sans an album promoting Jadakiss). They brought down the tent with performances of “Locked Up,” “We Gon’ Make It,” and brought Black Thought back out to do a verse from “Get Busy.” Styles closed out his set with arguably his biggest hit “I Get High.” And in case you were wondering, that whole “no swearing” rule was a done deal by the time they hit the stage.
Closing out the evening was your favorite rappers ghostwriter, the incorporable Pharoahe Monch. He performed widely known songs such as his verse on “Oh No” featuring Mos Def and Nate Dogg and crowd favorite of the night, “Simon Says.”
Somewhere along the line, a few acts must have gone over their time because as soon as Monch wrapped, Ralph came out and let the audience know that “Ya’ll ain’t gotta go home, but you gotta get the hell outta here!” Half said in jest, and half sincerely, the crowd took note and exited the tent to a dry evening where many followed the after party to Southpaw. That’s an entirely different write up, but even if you only went to the main event, you damn sure got food, fun and a great show for little or nothing. Can’t wait for next year’s festival.

-Jessica Bennett