Graffiti artists are standing in a cipher while their fine liners and sketch markers ink their blackbooks. They discuss fat caps, wild style, and 3D collage deliveries, all while nodding their heads to the universal sounds of classic hip-hop tracks. Wutang Clan’s Proteck Ya Neck, Slick Rick’s Children’s Story, and Dr. Dre’s Deep Cover play while the crowd sings along. No one hums the lyrics, for these loyalist know every sing word. Color splashes adorn every patron, clean Air Max earth pad covers reign over all challengers. Japanese teens run in clicks with Philly beard totting Irishmen. Couples sit in their lawn chairs facing the stage, while others take to walking amongst the various concession and merchandise stands lining the walkways of Lincoln Park. The air is thick with humidity, and the overcast is hard to ignore. Yet, the 7th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival proceeds with the event’s final showcase this past Sunday with an ode to real Hip-Hop.
It has been 35 years of Rock Steady top rocking, floor working, and power moving the art of b-boying into a legitimate form of dance. The festival proved to be the quintessential arena to celebrate the crew’s longevity in the Hip-Hop culture. Richard Colon, also known as Crazy Legs, is the president of the world famous troupe of breakers, and took the stage for a final performance amid their annual showcase. Six steps, sweeps, air flares, windmills, 1990s, and Indian steps that were repeated as to call away the rain flourished in a medley of incredible dancing talent. The crowd had the cameras, ipads, and smartphones on record knowing this was the highlight of the day’s acts.
Performances by Craig G, Dres Titus formerly of Black Sheep, Deejay Evil Dee from Black Moon, and others further cemented the underlying premise of the line-up. No lyrics invoking you to do a silly dance, no talk of wielding choppers, no talk of degrading women by calling them bitches and hoes, and absolutely no singing of choruses. Nope, this was true Hip-Hop, and it all played out here in Brick City.
July 30th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
I had never been until this year! I was amazed at two things there yesterday. The amazing turnout and the generally positive vibe that the crowd was giving. Great event. Looking forward to the years to come.