When first approached to be a media sponsor for Block Party LA we were excited for many reasons. First, for the charity work in which they do, working with the Children’s Defense Fund, second for the raw talent scouted for the show is always a who’s who among the local unsigned acts, and lastly here is a group of people working together not only to produce an event but a movement. Block Party did not disappoint.
From the location, 3200 Union Pacific Avenue in Los Angeles, to the line up, to the artist, to the vendors. We had a ball with a purpose. Watching the performances we were impressed. Some of the acts caught were;
CRAIG GILLESPIE
Craig Gillespie is an artist who understand his lane. He get’s the party started and being that he is the brother of Ashley Gillespie, Creator of Block Party LA, all eyes were on him. He performed catchy rhymes and delivered with an energy level that set the tone for the event.
@CraigGMusic
Pasadena, CA
New album : http://Gillespiepictures.com
Inquiries: cmiccheck123@gmail.com
itunes! : https://itun.es/us/53Ww4
NAMEBRAND
From the back of Block Party NameBrand’s rhyme style pulled you to the front of the stage. His stage presence coupled with his lyrics seemed to resonate with the audience. “If I want something bad enough I go get it”, he rhymed and repeated, “If I want something bad enough I go get it”
@NameBrand
Long Beach, CA
Epic Records Recording Artist
DEAN RISKO
@DeanRisko
South African American Rapper/Crooner/Songwriter
Los Angeles, CA
Dean Risko at a glance strikes you with his appearance. Full faced beard and dope style of dress, one might not believe hes a rapper but a cool dude. But once he takes to the stage there is no doubt his unique delivery is one that fills a void for what creatively is missing in the game.
CURTISS KING
@CurtissKing
Artist x Producer Credits: E-40, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, MURS, Audio Push
Inland Empire, CA
We have been watching Curtiss King’s growth going back to the “Curtiss King – Noa James” Common Ground days. We are really proud of what he’s been able to accomplish. He has gone from an artist to a brand musically and professionally aligning himself with those who are known to get it. So it comes as no surprise he was apart of the Block Party Event. Oh and did we mention he brought out Ab-Soul during his set. Yes!
AB-SOUL walked out as a surprise guest during Curtiss Kings set. A fellow Carson brother. With respect it was good seeing Ab-Soul and his interaction between himself and party goers.
I was able to speak with him about his mom, sister and time spent at his family’s business “Magic Disc” back in the day. He looked me in my eye and said we like family and I agree. C-arson!
You couldn’t get a better crowd than the one at #BLOCKPARTYLA. Between sets they connected with new faces, danced to dj’s spinning, and shouted out lyrics to songs from their favorite artist.
[Spotted] Justin Hunte @HipHopDX Editor-in-Chief
@dj_RTistic
Kept the Block Party vibe right with the hottest music all day. Hats off to him.
[Spotted] Bad Lucc
@_Overdoz
Overdoze went all the way in with their performance at Block Party. They brought loads of energy and plenty fun with their set. Salute this talent who recently linked up with Pharrell.
@Lauren_Levi
Visual Artist Lauren Warwick of Lauren Levi Art and HER Threads
www.LaurenLeviArt.com
www.HERThreads.com
@LipSmackingCupcakes
CoCo’s Lip Smacking Cupcakes were, well lips making to say the least.
LipSmackingCupcakes@gmail.com
@TheGreatGlaspie
aglaspie.com
A huge shout to Ashley Glaspie and Brittany Bell for such a well organized and eventful show. I know it could not have happened without a team and LA Hip Hop Events salutes the BPLA Team too!
Once Talib Kweli stepped up to the mic he gave the audience what everyone was waiting for. Talib in rare form mixing old gems with new joints sprinkled with politics. The crowd received him well and was very engaging during his set. Thank you to Talib Kweli for topping off an already dope event!
Written by Tami Temple