First off, I have to be completely honest with you: this was one of those nights that I will not EVER forget. For me, this was a family reunion of sorts, fellowshipping with people I’m just meeting for the first time, but sharing a commonality with, and reuniting with folks that I hadn’t seen in YEARS, celebrating this musical journey we have all had the pleasure of experiencing. For me, this was a legendary night, and I absolutely loved every minute of it.

For context, this extraordinary evening mainly took place at Littlefield, a club/performance venue in Brooklyn, NY, where an up-and-coming high-end Hip Hop event called The Craft was hosted. This event, which occurs every two months, is the brainchild of MCMI, a guild of Hip Hop-centric creatives which includes Philly-born and bred MC Mic King, Brooklyn-bred lyricists LR Blitzkrieg and PackFM, and the multitalented musical wizard from all over, Tonedeff. The concept behind the idea is an elevated Hip Hop experience, coupled with exclusive cocktails tailored to match the vibe of each featured artist on the lineup.

Speaking of the lineup, this fourth installment of The Craft consisted of Juggernaut War Party, a band consisting of two blood brothers at the helm, Qaasim The Strongest and Tallboy The Rilla — think a young Sly and the Family Stone mixed with Kindred the Family Soul. Also on the roster of heavy-hitters: L.A.-based MC Vel Nine and her wordsmith husband, Surrealist, Substantial and his band, The Sun’s Hues, and the legendary Immortal Technique. Each act brought something unique to the stage, yet converged at the intersection of Hip Hop culture. Basically, you had to be there to truly understand it.

As I stated earlier, for me personally, it was very much like a family reunion or a homecoming — I genuinely missed my New York tribe and my chosen family members. Seeing them, making something magical with them, and then breaking bread with them afterwards, is the simplest form of gratitude I could ever ask for. Even after we parted and returned to our regular lives outside of this moment, we will remember this night, because it meant something special to all of us. What makes it even more special is that this experience happened just a couple of blocks away from the home of a Brooklyn legend, our brother turned ancestor, the late great PH of The Plague, Brooklyn Academy, and Team Homi. I know he’s beyond proud of the family he helped to bring together, and we are stronger because his legacy binds us forever and always. We miss you, fam.

A special thanks to everyone that came through and supported, and a very special thanks to the fellas of MCMI that hosted this phenomenal event.

And now…the pictures and videos. Enjoy!