In the days after Hoboken's first hip-hop and R&B festival, the Summer Blockfest on August 19, 2023, What Hoboken Sounds Like shared spotlights on some of the artists who took the stage.
Rich Double M opens the show
One for the ages: Rich Double M not only opened the show but set the tone, with a wide array of tunes blending past and present.
Shot by @whyarefilms.
Phat Rob: hip-hop is alive and well
"Hip-hop is alive and well in Hoboken, NJ! That's the subject title!" Phat Rob came with a statement at Summer Blockfest, in a "Hip Hop 50, 1973-2023" tee.
Photo by @whyarefilms.
RaRa: "Mama Told Me"
Summer Blockfest was also a great experience for a new generation of young creatives. RaRa performed his single "Mama Told Me," produced by N3rdy McFly. "His mama definitely looking down proud!"
Photo by @zayfilms4.
The Bar Breakdown: Chaseland, "1999"
In September 2023 WHSL launched "The Bar Breakdown," revisiting performances from the artists who blessed the Summer Blockfest stage, starting in backwards order with the last group of performers: Chaseland performing "1999" from his "Chaseland 2" project. "Songs can be so impactful especially when you know the lyrics!" Filmed by Tato With The Camera; Hoboken Baseball Jersey designed by Design Mafia Inc. and sold by WHSL.
Artists supporting artists
Images like this were truly beautiful to see. Hoboken's artists were once made to feel they had to compete against one another because they had never had support like this. On August 19 they all came together and openly supported one another, and seeing hip-hop and rap artists show so much support for each other was a proud moment. Photo by @roberto_rosa3rd.
After the festival: End of Summer Artist Exhibit
Fresh off the festival, performers NJ Paperchaser and Rich Double M were featured at the End of Summer Artist Exhibit presented by Cito On The Beat and Jessica Peros.
- When: Friday, August 25, 2023, 8 PM to 12 AM
- Where: 6 Bleeker St., Jersey City, NJ
- Entry: $10 at the door, 21+
Follow @whathobokensoundslike on Instagram for more.