When an event is the very same day as Rapid Growth launches, I have just a few seconds to catch your attention. So here it goes: If you miss the Michigan Hip Hop Revue, your life could hang in the balance as a result of how you will choose to spend Thursday night.
Okay, so that might be a bit extreme but on the day after the 6th in a series of events, there will be two camps: those who ventured out to witness such a solid program, and those who will have to listen to the aforementioned friend’s bragging about how wonderful it was.
This series of hip hop music events that pops up throughout the year is brought to downtown via Jonathan Jelks, Tekh Togo and Mike Saunders, who started this event just over two years ago.
This event is meant to cultivate a space where the state’s best rappers, DJs, producers, and fans of hip hop can convene and begin to build community. From Detroit, we will welcome the acts Detroit C.Y.D.I. and Zelooperz to the Grand Rapids’ Pyramid Scheme stage.
“
Detroit C.Y.D.I. is a three-man crew whose stage show is always a blast, lots of humor and intelligence in their lyrics,” says Saunders. “The last time they were here they even referenced The Great Daryl Nathan in their set. Doc Illingsworth is the producer/MC and has been getting out there doing production for international acts like Kool AD from Das Racist and Ruffio Jones, who just released a solo project
Tears of Joy.”
Saunders goes on to recommend
Zelooperz, not just because he is a part of the Brusier Brigade lead by Danny Brown, but because this performer is simply crazy with a very unique rhyming technique and packs a wallop with fresh lyrics that range from the sexually hilarious to the intensely personal tales of struggle.
Grand Rapids will be represented on stage by the
Convotronics - a two-man crew who project incredible energy and lyricism. But we will also hear from
South East Money Mafia, who were last seen making a heck of a noise rocking parties that Mike G has been putting together, including their recent opening for Mellow High.
Representing my old hometown of Flint will be DJ Backteeth, who has a massive collection of rare Michigan hip hop. He also publishes a great
Tumblr.
DJ Blackteeth will also share the decks with Grand Rapids’ Mike Saunders, who has been charged to spin an equally dope collection of rarities. (It should not be a problem since Saunders is a member of the popular Grand Rapids Soul Club, which is known for its commitment to rare and hard-to-find soul classics.)
Admission: $8