This past September the 17th in Leimert Park, we did something special. For those who weren’t there to witness, here’s a little reflection on something ill (yes, pun intended) that you missed.
We teamed up with the homie and one of LA’s omnipresent music figures, VerBs, and took over his almost legendary monthly hip-hop open mic showcase he founded (along with fellow local rapper/community activist Gumshoe), organizes, & hosts every third Tuesday of the month called Bananas.
For those unfamiliar, let us hip you.
First off, if you’ve never heard of VerBs, and have spent any amount of time dabbling in LA’s music scene, you’ve more than likely seen him. He’s that cat with the red beanie, always on a bike, who can be spotted all over the metropolis. Whether it be a random after hours party on Alvarado street, the Leimert Artwalk (which he also organizes) or the Low End Theory, he’s there. With no exaggeration, any dope event that goes down and has anything to do with music (especially hip hop) in LA, he’s almost guaranteed to be in attendance. Beyond this he raps, he throws dope events, and does good things for the community. Big ups to the god.
Now what is Bananas? Well, if you ask a local in Leimert Park about the burgeoning underground music scene, they’ll more than likely mention it. It’s been heralded by the LA Times as a “driving force behind advancements in the area’s art and music scene…”. In the few years since its birth, it’s become a ritual meeting ground for local rappers, DJs, bands, and out-of-town acts. And it all goes down at the legendary venue Kaos Network, home of the ever-renowned hip hop workshop, Project Blowed. If Project Blowed doesn’t ring a bell, do your research.
We got given the green-light to put our own spin on this beautiful happening and threw our own joint showcase with the Bananas crew for the last Bananas of the summer.
We featured the likes of hard hitting rapsmith Demrick, mythical LA beat scene figure, Zeroh, Soulection’s own, Zikomo and NiceGuyxVinny, turn-up squad Grown Azz Kids, Machiavellian rap songstress, Stoney, the darkly energetic Tone Oliver of the Fly Guys, Covina’s own Hawdwerk, the ghostly nomad rap figure uhlife, and hip hop/rock band ILLIE, amongst other very dope up&coming performers.
It was a full-house and the energy was as live as the music pouring out of the speakers. Artists, poets, and eclectics (well known and obscure) from all over the city packed the intimate space. It got so hot after each performance that the whole crowd typically poured out onto the block to cool off and chop it up in between sets. There was weed brownies and vegan treats for sale (as per usual for Bananas events) and we even had a Jarritos (one of the night’s sponsors) truck on deck with free sodas for everyone in attendance.
Up and at-’em fashion brands Dirty Laundry LA, SkyHi Clothing (the night’s other sponsors) were all present with free giveaways and pieces from each of their unique lines.
To say the least, it was a true example of a homegrown Los Angeles hip hop affair.
We were glad to bring it to the streets. Check out pictures of the extravaganza after the jump and let it influence you to come out to future Bananas showcases and be a part of this dope little piece of history in the making. It’s something to vibe with and behold.
Be peace gods. Make each day beautiful.
All photos shot by Bart Hufs
Go to our Facebook page to see more photos.
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