Watch the Block Party perfomances in celebration of hip-hop's 50th anniversary
Saukrates, Clairmont the Second, Temia and more took the stage
Aug. 11 marked the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. On that same day in 1973, DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy Campbell hosted a now legendary block party where hip-hop music was played for the first time.
The genre and cultural movement that emerged out of the Bronx on that hot summer's day has gone on to take over the world. Countries across the globe have created their own variations of hip-hop, and in commemoration of that storied history and immense influence, CBC Music and Toronto music and arts organization Manifesto teamed up to put on the Block Party in August. It was hosted at RBC Echo Beach in Toronto, and included more than 15 acts who performed across two stages.
Watch the videos below for performances from Canadian hip-hop artists who graced the Block stage.
Saukrates' career-spanning headline set
Thirty years into his career, Saukrates shows no signs of losing any of his lyrical prowess or commanding stage presence. He had the crowd wrapped around his finger, hanging off every bar. He performed big hits including the K-os and Nelly Furtado collaboration "On the Run" and old-school track "Hate Runs Deep," but the highlight was when he brought out past members of the Circle: Solitair, Choclair and Jully Black.
Clairmont the Second got the crowd all riled up
The Toronto rapper had the crowd singing along to a selection of hometown faves including "Dream," "Intres-Ting" and "Gun Finger."
Temia brought some British flare to this side of the Atlantic
The Calgary-based, South London-raised rapper kicked off the festivities with her distinct blend of hip-hop, U.K drill, and Jamaican dancehall riddims.
Keysha Freshh's set came with a big surprise
Freshh brought out Haviah Mighty, Lex Leosis and Phoenix Pagliacci for a one-night-only reunion of feminist hip-hop group the Sorority, which has been disbanded since 2019.
Vince the Messenger's rapid-fire bars had the audience enrapt
The introspective rapper from Charlottetown had the crowd in his thrall, with straightforward and incisive lyrics and a flow that harkens back to the '90s golden era of hip-hop.
Phoenix Pagliacci hailed the other rap queens coming up
With her "All Hail the Queens" cypher, Pagliacci took some time out of her smooth, vibey performance to give a bit of shine to upcoming MCs.