Whomever says that 3days, 5 stages, 200 artist from the likes of Biscuit from West Virginia, Big Crit from Mississippi, DJ Kid Cedic and Atlanta's own Pill were the main events at this year's festival, I'd call them a liar.
The main event was taking place on Saturday afternoon, on the second floor , there was a B-Boy & B-girl Competition.
Let me preference this with my position. I'm from the gangsta rap generation: 2Pac, NWA, UGK, etc. So I'm not a hiphop connoisseur. But, from what I know I experienced something there; something that was prolific. The event began to a slow start, then the ball got to rolling. B-Boys & B-girls started to bust it out. As you walked around you saw different circles develop of these hip-hop fanatics, break dancing, cheering each other on in support. They where giving it their best. For some it was their first competition, for others it was another step in being the best.
This was a Vintage moment, which bring me to the Black & White exposures. What better way to capture the moment.
The atmosphere was one of great electricity. Dookie Chains, Snap-backs, Addidas, and Vans were all in the house. My props goes out to the DJ's. The DJ's had more to prove more than the breakers. The DJ's rocked the crowd, they spun some of the greatest breaks possible. There where three type of people there: those participating, those observing, and those vibing to the music. I talked with serval of those vibing and we came to the conclusion that the music was just as captivating as the breakers breaking, and the audience vibing on one accord.
Toward the end they came the Dueces Wild 45's Edition. The MC announced to the audence to turn their attention to the DJ on deck, and if you were there last year then you know what is about to happen. This is where the soul of Rap came from, I'm mean this guy looks like HipHop's Angel delivering the new testimony to the masses. This guy was your favorite DJ's favorite DJ's favorite DJ. He was just that high into the the rarified atmosphere.
While waiting patiently to get to the front to watch the MixMaster on the ones & twos, I looked around to see everyone there rocking, vibing, breaking, or just nodding their head to the beat. I finally got to this position to get this shot, and I was elated.
As I began to exit AC3 I looked back at everyone, and smiled. there was an euphoric energy inside of me that words can't explain. It was emotional. The trek back to my car was a phlegmatic one. Most of me regretted leaving, but for the first time I've felt oneness with the crowd.
Props to the B-boy & B-girl out there representing. Please continue to doing what you do, and I look forward to seeing you guys & gals next year.
