The scent of liquor and cigarettes covered my face as I awoke. Traces of splashed blood covered my 3-Day wristband and all I can say is that it was a wild night. Reflecting on the day (July 24,2015) that had passed I reached for my cell phone to which I had lost; remembering the quest it took to get to the notorious Capitol Hill Block Party. It was only minutes after I’d arrived hearing Shabazz Palaces in the distance. The streets filled with rebelled youth and excitement as I made my way to the proper gate to prepare and await for an interview with Chimurenga Renaisscance frontman Tendai. After communicating for about 20 mins it became clear that the interview wouldn’t occur until later that evening; Unbothered by rescheduling I grab a few slices of pizza and headed to watch Jamie XX who had the block packed and dancing.
My cell is buzzing and the homies all got in. It’s Tequila Day they shout with a large perrier bottle filled with a J’mador or some shit…I know it was about to be lit! Faded Built To Spill was on but we decided to head towards BBNG to catch the beginning of their set. On our way there we ran into a group of foreign females who decide to party with us. This is where the night gets blurry; jumping all around raging for BBNG we’re all losing our shit metaphorically and literally. At this time Telefresco is starting his live dj set on the roof of 95 slide. However by this time my Chimurenga Renaissance interview was due, I located the people I needed to and I hit the green room to start the interview. All the guys were super calm and understanding of my fade. We talk about the success of their new single “Pop Killer” and why we all should tap into the individual voice we have and how it contributes to hip hop. Among that and other things we discuss what it is like to be a black man in today society and music industry. Feeling well about the interaction I snap a couple photos and dash to get to 95 slide to catch the rest of Telefresco’s set.
Its a wrap he’s packing up, and the crew is all around; we have some drinks and talk shit making our way downstairs to smoke. When a fight breaks out and leave two cats bloody on the ground…The next few days my appearances were rare. My :30’s performed at Throwback NW among other talented locals not to mention the highlighted performance of Toro Y Moi. He blessed the stage with funk grooves weaving thru his latest record What For? All in all this is a street festival not to miss if you have never made it out so many vibes and talent all in one place all for the love of community and music. S/O to Ashley for plugin us! Check out a few photos below.
– Vespa
All photos shot by Avi Loud
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