PEDALFEST
I took to the inter-webs, as per usual, and found this awesome FREE event in RVA. PEDALFEST (bought to the community by VCU's Hip Hop Student Collective & Catalyst) featured several artists whose work I have highlighted as well as some more flame. Below you can find some mini-highlights as well as twitter info to follow your favorite artists.
fly anakin. & koncept jack$on #MUTANT ACADEMY
These two artists hold their own lyrically but can send a vibe together. Backing fly anakin's release of elsewhere ave. that created a buzz on the internet- he continued to stay true to the authentic east coast sound of hip hop at PEDALFEST. Songs such as nigga like me [ft. koncept jack$on], reverberated throughout the crowd. The other half of #MUTANTACADEMY, koncept jack$on, is to be praised as well. With just under a 1k following on Soundcloud and several dope singles under his belt (lavender & cynthia)- he matches his counterpart on stage lyrically, no problem. After several personal successes and a joint EP-the bounce and swagger of the two is to be watched.
(fly anakin. [left] & koncept jack$on [right] in front of a mural of Nickelus F)
Jake Barkley aka The Black Beanie Genie AKA Lil' Hyatt
The RVA based artist, Jake Barkley, performed with finesse and authentic feeling throughout his set. His continuity with his sound is to be commended; with several singles making waves on the inter-webs (chimera) as well as several successful live performances (ART RISE)- Jake Barkley solidifies his spot as a key rapper, singer, and musician overall. The versatility of JB's vocals opened PEDALFEST up the right way.
(Jake Barkley [left] spitting rhymes; B.ckward Haus Members MNLV [center] on stage, along with chï [right])
Marques Berry aka M.arques B.erry
Marques Berry, otherwise noted as MB, made waves during several sets of PEDALFEST. His own [set] being well deserved and received. The connection this artist has within the music community, as well as the Richmond community at large, is smart. With a tape under his belt and an anticipated project titled The Grey Album on the way- its no question the dedication MB has to his artistry.
(Marques Berry [center on stage] performing w/ Jake Barkley [right])
Y0ki The Casual WZRD
The seasoned producer and musical engineer Y0ki made an appearance at PEDALFEST, complementing all of the music he helped orchestrate with his musical peers. His attention to detail is dope, to say the least. The gobs of music this young man creates has leaked its way into the sound of Richmond; some of the hottest arrangements/production based in RVA is coming from Y0ki The Casual WZRD, no question.
MNLV
MNLV- who was recently featured in RVA Mag continues to give listeners music for the soul. Just as rich as her vocals come across recorded- they do not fail to entice live. MNLV is another artist using the inter-webs to her benefit. With a project titled UNNAMED PLACES garnering [all tracks considered] over 2000 plays, it is safe to say her music is here to stay and dominate.
Alfred
Alfred, self proclaimed citizen of the Matrix Purgatory as well as 'tha forest', comes fresh off of dropping an EP titled ALF. He performed songs from the project such as SUPAH POWA ft. MNLV with a raw emotion/eccentric assuredness that not only excited the crowd but bounced well off of his musical counterparts.
(yokithecasualwzrd [left] poses with MNLV [center] and Alfred [right] in front of a Catalyst banner)
Special Thanks*
To the DJ @djgringo101 that served up all music on a platinum platter as well as @Russ1594 who was part of the team on the backend that built this experience from the ground up! Special Thanks once more goes out to Catalyst, the Hip Hop Student Collective, and countless other members of the visual and auditory artistry based in RVA.
*Artists who also gave dope performances: .Peter $un, Radio B, chï, Ramsey, Saint Tut, The Millionaires, Tribe, and of course Nickelus F
