Brooklyn Bodega has announced that Busta Rhymes is slated to headline the 2012 Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, occurring between July 9-14.
Last year, Busta served as one of the surprise guests alongside Kanye West, Monie Love and Black Thought during Q-Tip’s headlining set. This year, he will grace the stage as the festival’s top-billed act. As Q-Tip did last year, Busta will work with BHF Executive Director Wes Jackson to curate a list of “Friends” who will appear during his performance.
Additionally, the veteran rapper’s career will inspire many of the events during the BKH, including Tuesday’s Bodega Education Initiative (BEI), Thursday’s Salute The DJ and Friday’s Dummy Clap Film Festival.
“One of the most interesting things that kept coming up when we talked about Busta in the office is all the different ‘Bustas’ there were,” said Jackson. “Busta to me is the skinny kid from ‘Sound Of The Zeekers’. To other cats in the office he is the muse of Hype Williams and the definitive artist of the video era. To younger fans he is the guy who killed it on the Chris Brown song. To purists he was Dilla’s biggest supporter after Q-Tip. Just as Q-Tip was in 2011, Busta is the embodiment of what Brooklyn Bodega and The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is all about. Diversity, inspiration, longevity all fueled by an undeniable love for the music and culture. Who else has rocked with Hank Shocklee, Q-Tip, Dr. Dre, Dilla, MOP, Janet Jackson, Diddy, Swizz [Beatz], The Fugees, and Nas. People have been asking how we are going to top last year when Q-Tip brought out Kanye. I think we figured it out.”
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The festival will culminate with the concert, taking place on July 14th between 12-8 p.m. at Pier 3, Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Tickets are already available to the general public via Eventbrite. For more information on the festival, head to BKHipHopFestival.com.
[Photo by Joe Conzo]
(May 8)
UPDATE: Brooklyn Bodega has announced that Freeway, along with former Natural Elements emcee Ka, Clear Soul Forces, Melo-X and Jasmine Solano have been added to this year’s weekly lineup.
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HipHopDX will keep you updated of dates, times and venues.
(June 10)
UPDATE #2: The 8th annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival’s Busta Rhymes & Friends is now set to feature opening performances by Ka, Clear Soul Forces, Chuuwee and Fat Tony. The event will be at Uplands Pier 3 at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Da Beatminerz’ DJ Evil Dee will be on the turntables at the festival after-party. At the Knitting Factory, Melo-X, Jasmine Solano, CSC Funk Band and Ana Tijoux will perform.
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