The ‘Know Them Now – Thank You For Hip-Hop’ showcase presents some of the finest talents New York has to offer.
BMI brings to the stage the next level in Hip-Hop with performances by Chris Rivers, Oswin Benjamin, MMBVELLI, STVSH, Lester London, Dot Cromwell, and Suni MF. Hosted by Michael Wade, with DJ sets from Reg West legendary venue SOB’s features talent worthy of the mic.
The show opened with Suni MF setting the tone for a night of amazing talents. The Atlanta emcee released her first mixtape “Back to Basics” in 2009 consisting of freestyles over “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”, and “Flashing Lights”. She has since released 2 albums and 5 mixtapes solidifying her place in the game. Her music is largely influenced by the works of Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, and Aaliyah.
Philly Born lyricist and songwriter Dot Cromwell proves that he can rap circles around your favorites. Performing songs from his latest EP “Full of Sin” the artist enthralled the crowed in a tale about a half white half black man growing up in Southwest Philadelphia. Between personal projects and collaborations with artists such as Jidenna, Wale, and Quavo, Cromwell has amassed over 18 million streams as of 2017.
‘Lil Goat’ aka Lester London inspired the crowd with songs from his new EP “Lil Goat”. The Philly born artist is cut from a different cloth being a self-taught producer and engineer starting at the tender age of 10. Inspired to start by his mother a singer and his father a DJ Lester was surrounded by music and bound for the stage. After releasing his first song in 2001 with his mother on the chorus, Lester knew this is where he had to be.
Brooklyn born artist STVSH pumped the crowd with his latest single ‘STICKY’. Collaborating with New Yorks Gangitivity The Flatbush native previously released “RAMEN”. STVSH which stands for Stay True and Stay Humble stays true to his name while repping his hometown wholeheartedly.
Canarsie Brooklyn born, Southeast DC raised artist MMBVELLI rocked the stage with his crew performing “Ganked” and his latest track “Notajoke”. Inspired by 2Pac, Eazy-E, Master P, and Jim Jones MMBVELLI seeks to carve out his own place amongst the greats.
Oswin Benjamin lead an intimate performance with songs straight from his soul. The American born rapper from Newburg, NY took the crowd on an intimate and soulful journey that can only be told through his words. Starting as a gospel singer Oswin has performed in front of some of the biggest artists in the game such as Kendric Lamar. The Brooklyn born artist seeks to inspire hope and change through his artistry.
Chris Rivers ended the show on an extremely high note. Despite the late hour of the day the crowd could not help but match his dragon energy. The son of the late Big Pun fills his father’s shoes and then some. Debuting as Baby Pun on Cormega’s 2011 compilation Raw Forever and later switching to Chris Rivers when he dropped his debut mixtape, Wonderland of Misery, in 2013.
Photo credit Leftislaw._