Nas taps brass ensemble The Soul Rebels to join him for the 12th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival
Joining headliner Nas as his special guests on July 16th for the finale of the 12th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival are The Soul Rebels, the jazzy eight-piece brass ensemble hailing straight from New Orleans, who know just how to bring the funk and soul out of Hip-Hop. The Soul Rebels have shared the stage with world renowned artists spanning many genres and have brought their soulful flavor into their live collaborations, including performances with Talib Kweli, Rakim, Joey Bada$$, Slick Rick, Black Thought, Robert Glasper, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Pharoahe Monch and many more.
The Soul Rebels are an urban brass ensemble comprised of horns and drums who have covered a multitude of songs, with Hip-Hop being the band’s most defining genre. They take pride in their ability to transform electronic Hip-Hop beats into live robust music through an array of saxophones, sousaphones, trumpets, trombones and drums, a talent which makes them stand out in both the Hip-Hop scene and New Orleans brass band scene.
While both Nas and The Soul Rebels have performed and collaborated with a number of Hip-Hop artists throughout the years, this performance will mark the first time these artists come together musically, making this performance one for the ages. With Nas’ lyrical dexterity and The Soul Rebels live funkadelic sound, their performance will most definitely keep the crowd rocking for the Festival’s finale.
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“It’s literally a dream come true to have the opportunity to back up Nas, an artist The Soul Rebels look up to and have deeply respected for years. Nas is a wordsmith and his feel is so musical and jazzy, and to have the opportunity to join forces with him is going to be historic and very special for our band.
Equally, the opportunity to perform in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival means a lot to us personally. We’ve spent years building our profile by working with iconic New York mcs ranging for Rakim to Joey Bada$$ to Styles P and so on, and to play for the people who love the music and legacy the most, is an honor and gives us energy.
New York and New Orleans have always had a special bond when it comes to Hip-Hop and we love giving it all we got. So happy our brother Talib Kweli will be there on the bill as well.”
The Festival is a little over two months away. Organizers of the event, Brooklyn Bodega and The Bodega Agency are promising more announcements next week on the second stage, Kickoff Party, the JUICE Hip-Hop Exhibition and more.
July 13th – The Hip-Hop Institute. Lectures, panels, and workshops dedicated to the study and advancement of issues of entrepreneurship and criminal justice in our community.
Location: Medgar Evers College, Crown Heights, Brooklyn
July 14th – The Dummy Clap Film Festival. A celebration of Hip-Hop as told through the moving image. Screenings of old school films, documentaries, and shorts. As well as Masters Classes from leading filmmakers both indie and major.
Location: Medgar Evers College, Crown Heights, Brooklyn
July 15th – Juice Hip-Hop Exhibition. A night dedicated to showcasing all aspects of the culture. DJ showcases, dance battles, sneaker exhibit, live art as well as original art installations.
Location: St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn
July 16th – The Finale Concert. The culmination of our programming. The legendary show that has created unforgettable memories for over a decade. The place where old school legends share the stage with next generation’s stars. Featuring: Nas, Fabolous, Talib Kweli, Rapsody, DJ Rob Swift and more. Hosted by Uncle Ralph McDaniels and Torae.
Location: Brooklyn Bridge Plaza anfd St. Ann’s Warehouse, 45 Water Street, DUMBO, Brooklyn
