With hundreds of rappers, producers, artists, and educators, coordinated across a dozen venues in four distinct areas of Atlanta’s sprawling, illogical metropolis over five days, you’d have to think that the odds of confusion and chaos would be quite high. But upon the conclusion of its 9th consecutive A3C (All Three Coasts) hip-hop festival, Atlanta can certainly brag as the owner of a well-oiled multimedia machine.
From pro audio demonstrations to production meetings, recording sessions, and of course concerts, A3C brought together artists and enthusiasts from across the country last week for as diverse a hip-hop experience as you’ll find anywhere in the country. From headlining, mainstream artists such as Questlove, Talib Kweli, DJ Premier, Ghostface Killah, 2 Chainz, Too $hort, to a slew of underground or under-appreciated artists still trying to make their name, A3C offered something for every listener all while showcasing the diversity of the city it calls its home.
Atlanta is undoubtedly many things to many people. Hip hop capital of the world to some, home of the worst rush-hour traffic in the country, second home of the civil rights movement, proud owner of perpetually underachieving sports franchises, etc. But thanks to A3C and the artists that made this year’s festival such a success, Atlanta earns just a little more credibility as a progressive cultural hotbed, a distinction many young residents feel it deserves.
Whether you were catching a random set in East Atlanta, seeing $hort late-night at the Quad, or journeying out to Little 5 Points for a glimpse of the Wu, A3C had something to offer every one, in every neighborhood, in every walk of life, and of every musical persuasion, and for that, we Atlantans say thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-1bpGU7Fp41
