 |
| Zhyno Spikes |
It was all Spoken word,
freestyle, emcee battle, graffiti and B-Boying at the just concluded February
edition of the Now Muzik En.Core produced ‘Str8 Up, Hip-hop’ event. Hip-hop
enthusiasts and pros were treated to a well organized event which was hosted by
Veteran femcee, Blaise.
 |
| Blaise |
The ‘Love Jones’
edition was the second edition of Str8 Up, Hip-hop to hold this year, the first
been the ‘State of the Union Forum edition’. The event witnessed a massive
turnout of not only hip-hop heads but also inquisitive individuals who desired
to know more about the monthly niche urban networking event.
The show opened with a
remarkable live graffiti artwork by Zhyno Spikes who took the crowd into his
mesmerizing world of graffiti art for about ten minutes. Then came Spoken word
artises, Efe Paul Azino who was accompanied by his wife, their breath-taking
duet performance was one of the high points of the show which held at Koga
Studios, Oregun, Ikeja.
 |
| Mr. and Mrs. Efe Paul Azino |
It was a surprise to
many in attendance to hear Blaise introduce Toni Payne as a spoken word artiste.
Silence suddenly filled the hall and the only sound heard was the very clear
voice coming from the stage as Toni easily dropped line after line of her love
themed poem to the admiration of all.
 |
| Butafly (TBB) |
Highly skilled freestylers
were not left out as they were well represented by upcoming female rapper Butafly,
Eternal and few others who dished out sizzling punch lines and metaphors.
Battle emcees were also present; confident enough, they went head-to-head to
battle for the best emcee of the Love Jones edition which was finally won by
Emcee Blaze.
Next stop was B-Boying
also known as break dancing which has become a prominent feature in Nigeria’s
Hip-hop scene. There was no end to the amazing stunts by the contestants,
everyone felt the energy and adrenaline rush, leaving the cool audience
somewhat confused as to whom to give the crown. After many tightly contested
rounds, B-Boy Eric came top.
Finally the part many
were waiting for; performances by the veteran, Ill Bliss and the reigning rap
sensation, Phyno. Everyone rapped along as the hip-hop gurus performed their recent hit collabo ‘Anam Achi
Kwanu’, after which Phyno rendered a ground-shaking performance of his
breakthrough hit single; ‘Ghost Mode’. Rapper Romeo of Crystals band also
thrilled the crowd with an excellent performance.
 |
| L-R : Mode 9. Efe Omorogbe, Ill Bliss, Phyno |
Although the date of
the next edition of Str8 Up, Hip-hop is yet to be announced, plans are already
been made by the organizers; Now Muzik En.Core to ensure that hip-hop
aficionados experience an even better show.
 |
| Phyno |
 |
| Toni Payne |
See more pictures from the event below
