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August 1, 2010

UNITY re-union (A tribute to Bigga B) and a night for Real Hip Hop


Alright, peace! Over my many years as a DJ in the LA. area, I've had a chance to spin at some dope parties. From BRASS to CHOCOLATE BAR I got it in with some of the best dj's and artists, and am truly grateful for the experience. UNITY was one of those parties. Originally promoted as just that (a party) by William "Bigga B" Operin. UNITY came about in the "Golden Era" of Hip Hop. I'd say 1993 - 1998 possibly?. Me and DJ Kiilu where the first DJ's to spin at UNITY, on a rooftop on La Cienega and Venice, and at a warehouse in Inglewood. Shout out to Carmelita!

At the time Bigga B was doing promotions for LOUD Records, Bigga would hit me with all the Loud promo vinyl from Wu Tang to Mobb Deep, of now which I pride myself on having their entire catalogs on vinyl.

From the original parties, promoters Bigga B and Orlando went on to promote some pretty big shows at Unity... I got a chance to see Nas perform Illmatic and It Was Written. Raekwon and Ghostface Killah perform Only Built For Cuban Linx and 36 Chambers. And even Eminem got down at Unity during the days he was putting records out on Rawkus. And you could guarantee at those shows that DJ Mark Luv and C-Minus were holdin' it down on the wheels of steel.

Although me and Kiilu were a last minute add on to the UNITY re-union, it was only right, and much appreciated that we were asked to spin at this event. And all I gotta say is; Shit Was Dope!. I don't get a chance to be around Hip Hop as much as I was in the past, but damn if it didn't feel good to know that Hip Hop is still alive and well, and I'm pretty proud I got to put my mark down on the L.A. scene.

I didn't stick around for P.U.T.S ('cause I'm old and got a day job), but here are some photos I shot. Oh, and I ripped a 45 minute "vinyl only" set by the way. Got the crowd moving!

DJ Kiilu warmin' up the crowd

Mykill Miers

Lord Jamar (Brand Nubian)

Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down

Mark Luv and Orlando

Prince Po (Organized Konfusion)

Crush, Kill, Destroy... Stress!

Prince Po and Tash (Tha Liks)

C-Minus & Kiilu

2 comments:

  1. I remember my brother got a chance to go to that event and he said it was awesome!! Unfortunately i couldn't go because I was under aged :(

    http://coilymystic.blogspot.com/

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