Rain or shine, the show must go on. In 2009 the rainy weather eliminated the large stage space and an enormous lawn of the Empire Fulton Ferry State Park from the menu for the fifth annual Brooklyn Hip–Hop Festival. Still, the tent, covering a much smaller space on the side of the park, was packed with people. All artists hid from the rain under the smaller tents in the backstage space till it was time for them to step on stage and perhaps the only difference was the fact that it’s been proven now: dope music and legendary artists attract the visitors to this annual show. It’s not the sunny weather or the cool tents from sponsors, it’s Hip Hop at its best.

Brooklyn Bodega staff was pretty much a wreck throughout the show. These super friendly people (during the other 364 days of the year) were mostly busy making sure that everyone pays to get in (what happened to the suggested donation and nobody getting declined entry?), nobody stays in a tiny backstage area, unless they are about to get on stage and people only get props from others (what happened to thanking the artists and all support?). Despite some negativity, music prevailed nonetheless.

From Pharoahe Monch closing the show, to Black Thought making an unscheduled appearance, to D-Block representing even without Jadakiss, it may have seemed that this was a pretty commercial show. Then you got Marco Polo and Torae, riding on the hills of their Double Barrel. You got Brand Nubian. You got the Boot Camp Clik family representing with Tek and Steele (Smif N’ Wessun) and Buckshot. You got Dead Prez performing songs from their new album. You got DJ Premier. You got J Period on the tables; OC on the mic; Uncle Ralph hosting and Queen Pen presenting the new mayoral candidate, Bill Thompson.

Bad weather or even stressed out staff can’t kill the movement. The sky may have rained but the Hip Hop got to shine this day. This was the story of the fifth annual Brooklyn Hip–Hop Festival.

Dmitriy Goldin