PreTopia at The Cellar featuring Playdough + Sean P
If you don't know what Oaktopia is you either a) live under a rock or b) aren't in tune with the Dallas/Denton/Fort Worth Music scene. I got to give it to the guys in Denton for creating one of the most organic, independently run festivals in the metroplex. The energy this festival has behind it surpasses Index and Untapped, in my opinion. I'm a #SupportLocal kind of girl and I know Spune is "local" but... they feel really corporate. Not to mention they're bringing Headliners like Immortal Technique, Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic, DJ Abilities, XXYYXX and locals like Bodega Brovas, Brave Combo, Blue the Misfit and A.D.d.+. I'm super impressed. All nestled in little old Downtown Denton.
So now you know what Oaktopia is, one of the creators came to me asking if I wanted to throw a "PreTopia" featuring Fort Worth artists that might not have made it on this year's festival line up. I hit up a couple of my Fort Worth spots, Lola's, The Grotto, The Cellar and found an open Wednesday that fit into DFW's already booming schedule and BAM! Pretopia at the Cellar featuring Playdough and DJ Sean P as the Headliner. We had Oaktopia tickets to give away and some really dope supporting acts in the mix for a FREE show by TCU, the ingredients were definitely there. Not to mention, it was Scott Johnson's Birthday and his last chance to rap in his 30's!
Night of, I got there way early and did my normal pace back and forth dance. My little brother runs sound at the Cellar so I really wanted to impress him. This is probably the only way I'd get him to one of my hip hop shows :) People started piling in, Sean P set up the tables, music started playing and drinks flowed.
First up was T-Wrex. This guy is a positive force to be reckoned with. He shows up to events, he networks online, and he shows nothing but love for the scene and the people in it. Plus, dude is dope. He has something to say and a way of catching your attention long enough to listen. He brings an energy to the room and on a personal note, I'm glad he moved to Fort Worth. Ace Way High came up next, another act I found at Open Mic. They have a fresh new sound and I've been trying to integrate some of the New School/Old School artists. After that was Sivion, one of my favorite local emcees with a positive message and smooth rhymes. Right smack in the middle of the line up, Dielex Kemposed. These guys have probably one of the most rehearsed, crowd pleasing sets I've seen. I know I've said in the past I'd like to see some of their newer songs, but they added Beast to the end of the their set with some of their top jams and it made for a solid hip hop performance. If it ain't broke, why fix it? After that, That Craziac showed out. I'm really digging his lyrical content and almost felt that he got warmed up and the crowd's attention when it was already over. Won't be the last time you see him on a RRP bill, though. Last before the big performance but certainly not least, Scott Johnson. He's already rocked a few open mics with some mad visual and equally as pleasing bars. This guy has continued to amaze me and I see why he always brings out droves of people to come support. This guy has a hunger, a need, a last shabang if you will and it translates in the energy of his performance. Not only that, but he's a positive influence and pretty humorous at that, great people to have at a show!
The featured performers, Playdough and Sean P, took the stage after an enthusiastic introduction from T-Wrex. These guys are definitely my favorite duo. I've worked with them on a few shows and Sean P always brings mad skills to the turntables and Playdough works a crowd like a pro. He performed all my favorite tracks off Gold Tips, complete with his N!ce Orange Two Liter. Sean P even took the mic and spit a few bars, and of course Playdough showed everyone why he's the King of Freestyle in the DF-Dub.
Bilal took the decks at the end of the night spinning nothing but vinyl. This guy is on point with his vinyl and scratching skills!!
During the bar payout at the end of the night, the Manager and staff mentioned how when they heard it was a Hip Hop night they were less than enthusiastic. Actually, they were pissed. However, they were pleasantly surprised at how respectful the artists and supporters were, that everyone had valid ID, that we weren't trying to sneak in minors to a 21+ show, and the bar sales and tips were actually better than one of their weekend dates. It was one of the better Wednesday nights and they looked forward to having more of "This" type of Hip Hop there in the future....just spread out. It's just nice that I have a product where everyone enjoys themselves, including the venue's staff.
Side Note: It felt like the Paparazzi was there, Oaktopia sent their camera guy, DFW.com's Steve Watkins videoed the last two performers, and a few people had cameras and video cameras. Excited to see some footage other than my own, which you can find at Right Round Productions.
It was another win for Hip Hop in Fort Worth! Thanks to all involved!!!
