A Wu-Tang legend is coming to Montreal for a free hip-hop block party
CBC
A year after putting on a block party to celebrate hip-hop's 50th birthday, organizers are gearing up for a sequel that will bring one of the culture's most celebrated MCs to Montreal.
Ghostface Killah, a leading figure from the legendary Wu-tang Clan, will perform in an unlikely venue: Vinet Park in Little Burgundy.
The outdoor event is free and open to the public next Saturday, Aug. 3.
"Even when we were in negotiations, I couldn't believe it," said Kevin Calixte, whose organization Harlem of the North is behind the event, in partnership with Natyf TV.
"If you ask me, the most symbolic, the most popular group in the history of hip-hop is Wu-Tang."
The goal is to create an authentic, outdoor hip-hop experience, similar to the block parties that shaped hip-hop culture in its early years.
Ghostface is known for his solo albums Supreme Clientele and Iron Man as well as his contributions to fellow group member Raekwon's revered 1995 debut album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.
"These are records that I played and played and played constantly in high school. I listened to it some more in CEGEP," said Calixte, who also pointed out that the rapper's management team was intrigued by the idea of performing in such an unconventional setting.
"It's like they knew what we were trying to do. They were like 'Yo, that's a nice park. You have that vibe like you're in the hood.'"
The event will feature many Quebec-based artists, including Chung, Raccoon, Maky Lavender, DJ Redd Dredd and MPP, an 11-year-old beatboxer.
DJ Whoo Kid, a longtime member of 50 Cent's G-unit Records, will also headline the event.
Last year's block party happened on a Saturday and lasted 11 hours. This year, the event will be a two-day affair: Saturday, Aug. 3, from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 4, from noon to 9 p.m.
DJs are expected to play sets that feature music from the early 70s up until the present day.
Calixte says the event being back and bigger than it was last year is due to popular demand.