The sweetest hangover at A3C Festival (day two)
October 3rd, 2009 by Jacinta Howard in Music news
DUCK DOWN: Buckshot brings the heat at East Atlanta Icehouse
There’s something to be said about hip-hoppers that don’t have to worry about going to work in the morning. Maybe it’s that Johnny Kemp “Just Got Paid” syndrome. Maybe it’s the cheap PBR. Whatever. Last night, heads were clearly more than ready to shake that load off at day two of the A3C Festival — and the energy was electric.
Tanya Morgan started the night edition off properly at the East Atlanta Icehouse, where the Duck Down stage was set up. Donwill (one-third of the group) generously kept offering the crowd energy drinks. Not that they needed it. As the group ripped through songs like “On Our Way” off of their latest acclaimed release, Brooklynati, with St. Louis MC, Black Spade, smack dab in the front of the stage rapping along intently, it was obvious this was going to be a good night. Later, DC rhyme-slingers Diamond District received rave reviews from Rapper Big Pooh (of Little Brother) and of course Skyzoo and 9th Wonder rocked with enthusiasm. The Duck Down stage also brought out Diamond D, Buckshot, as well as legendary producer Battlecat.
While Icehouse was led by spirited vets, the Perfect Attendance stage at the 5 Spot continued to be a stomping ground for the much-hyped newbies entering the game, including Mikkey Halsted and Curren$y. While Atlanta favs, Mama’s Mustache, Trimm and Yelawolf all entertained (they definitely should’ve given Mama’s Mustache and Yelawolf more time), the highlight of the night was probably No I.D.’s diamond in the rough, Mikkey Halsted. Dedicating his performance to kids in Chicago, the rapper proceeded to woo the crowd with songs like the Don Cannon produced “Hello.” Keeping his set mellow, he was still able to keep the crowd captivated with his message — which, let’s face it, is a rarity these days since most rappers want to be rockers.
Bottom line: recession-inspired energy + first of the month pay day + great music from a lot of focused MCs + multiple cheap beers = a hangover the next day. And that’s an equation we can live with.
(Photo courtesy Dominick Brady)
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