Artists

 

Q-Tip (@qtiptheabstract)

The first time fans heard Q-Tip was “The Promo” and “Black Is Black” on the Jungle Brothers album Straight Out The Jungle in 1989. A year later in 1990 Q-Tip released Peoples Instictive Travels as the lead MC of A Tribe Called Quest. With “Bonita Applebum” and “Can I Kick It” he ushered in an era of what some have labeled “Bohemian Hip-Hop” – Hip-Hop without a strong tone of misogyny or hyper masculinity, punctuated by social conscious lyrics and self respect. Collaborating with kindred spirits like De La Soul, Q-Tip became the face of conscious afrocentric rap.

Q-Tip would go on to collaborate with an array of artists from The Beastie Boys to Janet Jackson to Pharrell Williams and many more. With his solo album Amplified, Q-Tip brought J Dilla to the foreground and recorded the smash singles “Breathe & Stop” and “Vivrant Thing.” All the while, mentoring Hip-Hop greats Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Common (among others) further creating ripples that impacted the growth of Hip-Hop culture. 21 years after his debut on the scene, Q-Tip released his album The Renaissance a pinnacle of an accomplishment that was nominated for “Best Rap Album” at the 2010 Grammys.

Creatively and professionally, Q-Tip is still a force in Hip-Hop, touring, recording as well as producing both music and film. “(There has been discussion recently about the A Tribe Called Quest documentary co-produced by Q-Tip.)”

Read a Bodega article on Q-Tip here.

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Ali Shaheed Muhammad

Member of legendary Hip-Hop group A Tribe Called Quest, Ali Shaheed Muhammad is a Brooklyn-born DJ and producer. He has produced and been featured on countless legendary albums including A Tribe Called Quest’s The* Low End Theory* and Lucy Pearl’s self-titled album. In addition to performing as part of “Q-Tip & Friends,” Ali Shaheed Muhammad will also be DJ’ing at the BHF afterparty.

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M.O.P. (@TheMashOutPosse)

Synonymous with mashing out the party, since their early 90s debut, Billy Danze and Lil’ Fame have combined raucous lyricism and an anthemic live show, rocking crowds and mics like few in Hip-Hop history, representing Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood to the fullest.

Check out M.O.P.’s Billy Danze on Bodega radio here.

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Random Axe

In 2011, Brooklyn’s own Sean Price teamed up with Detroit Emcees, Guilty Simpson and BHF Alum, Black Milk — forming Random Axe, one of the most anticipated collaborations in recent years. Since then Random Axe has unapologetically wrecked stages and mics nationwide.

Read a Bodega article on Random Axe here.

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Kendrick Lamar

A fast rising emcee from Compton, CA, Kendrick Lamar has generated a huge buzz in the world of Hip-Hop. Releasing his first mixtape at the age of 16, Kendrick Lamar’s mixtapes have generated praise from some of the most respected online music sources and he has collaborated with some of the most talented and popular names in Hip-Hop including The Game, Lil Wayne and Dr. Dre.

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Artifacts

Artifacts, a Newark-based hip-hop group consisting of El Da Sensei, Tame One and DJ Kaos, have been putting out some of the most lyrically sound music in hip-hop, which is evident in songs like “Wrong Side of Da Tracks” and “What What.” A new highly-anticipated Artifacts album is in the works.

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Grand Wizzard Theodore

Best known for inventing the scratch and mastering the needle drop. This Bronx native was mentored by Grand Master Flash and quickly gained fame by DJing parties and wow-ing the crowd with his skills. A member  DMC Technics DJ Hall of Fame, Grand Wizzard Theodore continues to rock parties worldwide, judge DJ battles and teach DJ classes at Scratch Academy.

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Camp Lo

Consisting of emcees Sonny Cheeba and Geechi Suede, Camp Lo hails from the Bronx, NY. The duo’s first album “Uptown Saturday Night” broke the Top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 and featured Hip-Hop favorites- “Luchini AKA This Is It” and “Coolie High.” A new collaboration album with Pete Rock is scheduled to be released in 2011.

 

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Homeboy Sandman

Queens native, Homeboy Sandman has been slaying mics for years in the NYC scene since early in his career when he was a Ralph McDaniels Video Music Award Winner. This lyrical monster has performed at SXSW, Rock The Bells, A3C Hip Hop Festival and CMJ Music Marathon. In 2010, Homeboy Sandman mentored an aspiring emcee on MTV’s MADE (TV series).

Read a Bodega article on Homeboy Sandman here.

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J-Live (@J_Live3TP)

The true definition of a triple threat, Brooklyn native, J-Live is a emcee, DJ and producer. His discography spans over 10 years and includes four full-length albums, two EPs, a collection of earlier singles, as well as countless guest appearances and features. Tracks such as “No Time to Waste” off his latest project SPTA can be found on iTunes.

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Mista Sinista (@mistasinista)

In the early 90’s, Mista Sinista was mentored by Queens DJ, Dr.Butcher who helped him develop the skills he would use to make waves in the DJ battle scene along with his crew the X-ecutioners. He has toured and worked with Common, The Beatnuts and Fat Joe. Sinista is currently working as a producer and is scheduled to release his solo debut soon.

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Boogie Blind (@BoogieBlind)

DJ Boogie Blind, formember member of the legendary DJ collaborative, X-Ecutioners, has spun at some of the world’s most prestigious stages including the SXSW music festival.

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Eternia (@therealeternia)

Fat Beats records artist, Eternia, is Canada’s best kept secret. Having paid her dues she’s proven herself worthy of rocking stages for SXSW, and Van’s Warped Tour. This two-time Juno nominated femcee, continues to put Canadian Hip-Hop on the map. With nods of approval from The Source, Hot 97 and DJ Premier, Eternia partnered up with Canadian super producer MoSS for her 5th full length release At Last.

Check out this Bodega video on Eternia here.

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Lords of the Underground (L.O.T.U.G.)

MC’s Brand Nubian and DoItAll Dupré and DJ Lord Jazz form the Newark, NJ based hip-hop trio, Lords of the Underground, which has had two albums reach the Billboard 200. The trio has worked with a number of hip-hop legends including Nas and appeared on a number of TV shows including The Sopranos, OZ and 30 Rock. Lords of the Underground are also getting ready to release a much-anticipated 20 Year Anniversary LP featuring Marly Marl.

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DJ Roli Rho (@DJROLIRHO)

A legendary member of longtime mobile DJ crew IntroBass Productions (IBP) and the world famous 5th Platoon.  In addition to his undeniable urban blends and party mixes, he retains a number of titles and belts such as: 1999 DMC 1st Place East Coast Regional Champion and 1999 & 2000 1st Place Vibe Music Seminar Champion, just to name a few.  DJ Roli  Rho is without a doubt one of the unsurpassed beat jugglers of all time.

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Diamond District
Composed of producer Oddisee and emcees X.O. and yU, the D.C. area group Diamond District is known for their politically conscious lyrics and grimy production. Their first album, *In The Ruff*, received rave reviews with HipHopDX.com praising the album as “the hottest edition of what you’ve been missing.”Diamond District will be performing as part of “Q-Tip and Friends”.

Read a Bodega article on Diamond District here.

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Chairman Mao

Better known for his writing as a Hip-Hop journalist for XXL and his work for Egotrip, Chairman Mao’s record collection is one not to be overseen featuring everything from soul and funk to 90’s rap. In addition to rocking parties in NYC, his mix CD collaborations with DJ Citizen Kane have won accolades from funk, soul and disco fans worldwide.

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Twilite Tone(@thetwilitetone)

A legendary producer/DJ from Chicago that has been electrifying dancefloors since the early 90′s, walking the well defined lines between so-called ‘House’ and ‘Hip Hop’ music. He is credited as bringing ‘Hip Hop’ in addition to a wide variety of music to the Chicago club scene. His efforts bridged the gaps between musical genres in Chicago which was heavily dominated by ‘House’ and ‘Techno’. In 2000, Tone created the party GREAT WEEKEND, a touring event which features DJs, musicians, artists, and other interesting individuals that defy the laws of genre. Now residing between Chicago and NYC, The Twilite Tone produces and DJs a diverse tapestry of music both nationally and internationally.

Check out this Bodega video with Twilite Tone here.

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Jamel Shabazz (@jamelshabazz)

Brooklyn based photographer Jamel Shabazz has been documenting urban life for over 30 years. The author of 3 acclaimed monographs, Back in the Days, the Last Sunday in June, and Time before Crack, he is currently working on his fourth book entitled, the 90’s.

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Nitty Scott MC (@NittyScottMC)

Recently featured in The Source’s “Unsigned Hype” and MTV2′s “Sucker Free,” Nitty Scott MC is well on her way to making her mark in the Hip-Hop scene. Taking the internet by storm in 2010 with her freestyles, this art school grad writes and spits messages of positivity and empowerment.

Read a Bodega article on Nitty Scott MC here.

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Shad (@Shadkmusic)

Born in Kenya, of Rwandan parents, Shad made his debut album When This Is Over in 2005. With music compared to that of k-os and Common, he released his second album in 2007 to critical acclaim. This year the Canadian emcee won the Juno Award for “Rap Recording of the Year” with his third album TSOL.

Read a Bodega article on Shad here.

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DJ Parler (@DJParler)

NYC based DJ Parler has rocked audiences cross the U.S., South Africa, Italy, Brazil, Mexico and beyond. Producer of the acclaimed SAMPLOLOGY Mixtape Series, tour DJ for Hip Hop duo Kidz In The Hall, and official DJ of The Annual Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival and WNYC Battle of the Boroughs, Parler’s work has been featured in such outlets as MTV, Fader, and Sirius XM Radio.

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Kid Glyde
Son of B-boy legend Glyde, Kid Glyde of the Dynamic Rockers picked up his skills not only from his father but also legendary B-Boy Kid Freeze. This B-boy extraordinaire has been racking up B-Boy championships such as the Rocksteady and Zulu battles, consistently for the past few years.

 

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DJ GETLIVE! (@DJGETLIVE)

NY based DJ, DJ GETLIVE! has been commanding turntables around the world since 1999. Recently crowned East Coast champ of the Redbull Thre3Style DJ competition, Getlive has flourished by DJing for a huge number of Hip-Hop superstars including Nas, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross and Theophilius London. DJ GETLIVE! will also be spinning at Salute the DJ.

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Stalley (@Stalley)

Hailing from Massillon, Ohio, Stalley began making buzz in 2008 by touring with Mos Def. After working with famed rap collective Creative Control and appearing on shows like BET’s 106 and Park, Stalley signed with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group.

Read a Bodega article on Stalley here.

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K. Sparks (@Ksparkstv)

An emcee from Queens, K. Sparks has been performing since he was 15. A prolific musician, K. Sparks has performed on over 400 mixtapes and has been featured on MTV.com, The Source, 2DopeBoyz and BET.

Check out K.Sparks on Bodega Radio here.

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Joe Conzo

Famed photographer Joe Conzo has been documenting Hip-Hop and urban life for years. He has worked with VH1, MTV, and HBO and has shot covers for some of the biggest publications in music including Vibe, Fader, and the Source.

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James Blagden

James Blagden has photographed some of the most famous names in Hip-Hop including the Wu-Tang Clan and has worked with MTV, Esquire, The New York Times, and Nylon, among others.

 

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Phony Ppl (@PhonyPpl)

Photo Credit - Pigeons & Planes

This eight-man collective is out to redefine the expectations of young Hip-Hop artists with a sound that combines soul, complex jazz and funk. Most recently, they performed as part of the L Magazine’s Northside Festival for Brooklyn Bodega’s showcase.

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The Stuyvesants (@TheStuyvesants)

The Stuyvesants is a collaborative effort between music producer Allan Cole and record collector Darien Victor Birks. The group released their first project the self titled “The Stuyvesants” in June 2010 — an album inspired by 90s hip hop, soul music and funk.

Check out The Stuyvesants in this Bodega video here.

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K-Salaam of K-Salaam and Beatnick (@ksalaambeatnick)

K-Salaam is a DJ/Producer from Minneapolis whose eclectic music and socially conscious themes fit in perfectly with Brooklyn Bodega’s mission. His album, The World is Ours, featured a number of hip-hop legends including Mos Def, Dead PRez and Talib Kweli.

Read a Bodega article on K-Salaam here.

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Sene (@Sene718)

An up-and-coming Brooklyn-based indie emcee, Sene has collaborated with an impressive number of hip-hop legends including Blu and Homeboy Sandman. His collaboration with Blu, A Day Late & A Dollar Short, has received widespsread acclaim.

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Sophia Urista (@sophiaurista)

Often compared to a young Betty Davis, Sophia Urista has an incredible vocal character that and frequently collaborates with legendary producer Quincy Jones.

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DJ Evil Dee (@DJEvilDee)

As one half of Da Beatminerz and part of legendary group Black Moon, DJ Evil Dee has been “in the mix” since the early 90s. He continues to represent Hip-Hop by not only touring but also hosting the online radio station  Da Beatminerz.

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Martha Cooper

Legendary photojournalist Martha Cooper has been photographing America for decades. Formerly a staff photographer for the New York Post, she is one of the most prolific photographers of the New York City graffiti scene in the 1970’s and 1980’s.

 

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Dr. Larry Simpson

 

Provost and Senior Vice President at Berklee College of Music, Dr. Simpson serves on the board of the National Black Arts Festival and has been involved in dozens of music and arts festivals. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.

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Uncle Ralph McDaniels (@VideoMusicBox)

Creator of the legendary Video Music Box, Uncle Ralph McDaniels is set to host the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival for the sixth time! Before BET’s 106 & Park or MTV’s TRL there was Video Music Box, bringing video music programming to the masses. The success of Video Music Box has proven Uncle Ralph as a Hip-Hop pioneer, visionary and entrepreneur.

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Torae (@Torae)

Brooklyn-native Torae has been involved in the Hip-Hop scene for over a decade. Torae has worked with the likes of Skyzoo, Marco Polo, DJ Premier, 9th Wonder and many more. You can catch Torae Sundays on Sirius/XM satellite radio with DJ Eclipse on Rap Is Outta Control at 10pm.

Read a Bodega article on Torae here.

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Meka(@MekDot)

Formerly a writer for HipHopDX, Meka is one half of the duo behind premier Hip-Hop blog, 2DopeBoyz.com. In addition to vetting up-and-coming talent, he hosts The Combat Jack Show on PNCRadio.fm with DJ Franchise and as a DJ has been spinning for a number of artists including Kendrick Lamar.