The Block Party 2023: highlights

CBC Music's The Block and arts and culture organization Manifesto have come together to present The Block Party, an ode to hip-hop in all its forms. The event at Toronto's RBC Echo Beach includes performances by rappers and DJs from across the country in honour of the 50th anniversary of the genre, which occurred on August 11, 1973 in the Bronx. Over 15 acts will be performing across two stages, the Manifesto stage and the Block stage (performances on this stage will be livestreamed on CBC Music and CBC Listen until 10:05 PM ET). It promises to be a night of celebration, commemoration and most of all, good music. 

Scroll down for the highlights, and for more hip-hop 50 coverage, head over to cbcmusic.ca/theblockparty.

Saukrates gave a career-spanning performance 

Saukrates's rhymes are still as smooth as butter, and the Block stage headliner flaunted his undeniable staying power. Almost 30 years into his career and he's still one of the best to ever do it; just ask rapper Rich Kidd, who Saukrates brought on stage for a couple of tracks. Kidd announced to the crowd: "This dude is the the most talented person in Canadian music."  

He played big hits like the K-os and Nelly Furtado collaboration "On the Run," and "Hate Runs Deep," but the highlight was the second half of his set when he brought out past members of the Circle: Solitair, Choclair and Jully Black. The energy of all of the old friends vibing together felt like going back in time to the '90s when they all teamed up for the first time. They played a medley of their collabs: "Heaven Was A Mile Away," "Let's Ride" and 'No Doubt." 

Saukrates told the crowd that he designed the stage to feel like his home studio so he could feel loose and improvise on the fly. In that spirit, he turned the Big Black Lincoln house-inspired "All of You" into an extended version of iconic the 1992 Aly-Us track "Follow Me," egging the crowd to sing along. Moments like that remind us that Saukrates's influences stem far beyond the realm of hip-hop. 

Aminé closed the night with an explosive set

Portland, Oregon rapper Aminé was the headliner on the Manifesto stage. Repping the new school of hip-hop, he blends rap with hyper-pop production to create an exhilarating sound that got the crowd jumping. Rabid fans with signs who'd been waiting for hours to see him sang every word back at him.

The Sorority returned, for one night only

During Keysha Freshh's set it seemed the only surprise would be old-school legend Solitair popping up to perform a couple of tracks, but then Freshh brought out Haviah Mighty, Lex Leosis and Phoenix Pagliacci (who had played a set earlier in the night) for a reunion of the feminist hip-hop group, the Sorority. They've been disbanded since late 2019, and it was the first time in four years they all graced the stage together again. They performed "On Me," off of their 2018 album, Pledge. 

Phoenix Pagliacci put on an 'All Hail the Queens' cypher

As a surprise during her set, Phoenix Pagliacci brought out upcoming MCs Sarah Itamah, V tha Connect, and M3IKA, giving them a chance to show off their chops during a cypher. As they passed a crown around, each woman delivered impressive bars in their unique styles.

A medley of emerging acts showcased Canada's up-and-coming talent

The night kicked off at the Block stage with an electrifying set from Calgary-ba sed rapper Temia. Her South London flare and Caribbean vibes from DJ 4Korners, and a slick dance crew kept the energy hyped up. Then, Vince the Messenger brought his introspective rapid-fire bars all the way from Prince Edward Island. Next, Toronto's own Clairmont the Second got the crowd all riled up, bouncing along with him as he performed his viral hits "Intres-ting" and "Dream."

• Clairmont the Second is done being Toronto's best-kept secret

Over at the Manifesto stage, there were lots of nods to the Caribbean and notably Jamaican culture (without which hip-hop wouldn't exist). No Tourists, the group of five different MCs from Toronto and Ottawa, amped the crowd up with their genre-blending set, playing tracks with grime, dancehall and reggae influences. Toronto singer and rapper Sadboi played many recent tracks, her lyrics laden with Toronto and Jamaican slang, including crowd favourite "U Dun Kno." Montreal-based, St. Vincent-born Skiifall brought his distinct diasporic sound to the stage, playing bangers "Ting Tun Up" and "Yuteman Denis," his track featuring Charlotte Cardin.