On 30thMay 2019, Real Deal Open Mic at cHip sHop Brixton was a night of firsts and milestones. Having seen some drama caused by the standard aggro police still throw routinely at Hip Hop and Black music events, promoters and venues, Logic and his Real Deal fam relaunched their platform on their new night of every last Thursday of the month, at the same time celebrating their 1styear as a regular night at cHip sHop. Dedicated to preserving the legacy of hard bodied Hip Hop open mics with levels set high and free speech, set by the likes of Speakers Corner, Higher Learning and Deal Real – which Real Deal event carries the torch of – this night carried on the traditions of real crafted lyricism, genuine freestyle and generations building together all played out over banging beats supplied by DJ vets Jazz T and Shorty. With Capital Jors overseeing proceedings on the mic, the formula of open mic all night, broken up only by a live PA by a certified wordsmith, was working in full effect, with emcees, poets, singers and supporters flocking from around the city (and the world) to jump on the mic and get a taste of real Hip Hop.
There were too many participants to mention them all by name, but a few especially dope moments stood out. When I walked in the room, I heard the name Skirmish get called up. I thought to myself ‘that’s a big name to try claim for someone new to the scene’, then I saw the original step up! The Rhyme Asylum lyricist had come down to show some love to Real Deal and bless the mic with his skills. Skirmish was followed by heads like open mic regular Mac Jay, spreading his message to the people and emcee/singer Nemi, dropping soulful tones as well her dope flows.
The PA on the night was by a genuine underground and Brixton OG Jaja Soze. With a lot of his people in the building to support, as well as the crowd of real Hip Hop heads, the love and respect levels were high up where they should be. Before Jaja dropped his bars, he put on his brudda Madixxx with a dope UK Rap track ‘KMT’ reppin’ for all the heads who’ve been on their grind spittin’ for years, and shutting down those voices telling you to stop or or asking if you still doing it. It set the tone nice for Jaja to lay down ‘Surahs & Psalms’ a deep, heartfelt riddim, pouring out stories and reflections on the life he’s led and the lessons learned from it. The track got the reload a couple times, and ended being spat acapella to really get the message to the crowd. The power in the word reached its destination and performed its purpose.
With the vibrations taken that step higher, the mic reopened, this time with standout performances from the amazing songstress Magda Sinit, another vet in the form of Diversion Tactics’ Squeaky Clean as well as a 3 or 4 heads all the way from Canada. The night was dope as ever, with the added power of the first birthday celebration. There’ll be a lot more to come with the next edition lined up for June 27th2019, with a live performance by Artcha from FRSHRZ. Reach down to and witness some real emcees, spontaneous lyrical combustion and if you on the level, to jump on the mic yourself.
Details for the next open mic are below!
Apex Zero
