10th Annual One Music Fest is Where Legends Align

leg·end -/ˈlejənd/ noun: legend; plural noun: legends

1. a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated

ex. “the legend of King Author”

synonym: myth, saga, epic, folktale, folk story, tradition story, tale, story, fairy tale, narrative, fable, romance: MORE

• Historical

The story of a saint’s life.

“the mosaics illustrate the Legends of the Saints”

2. an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.

ex. “the man was a living legend”

synonym: celebrity, star, superstar, icon, famous person, great; genius, phenomenon, luminary, giant, big-name

So before one can be held true I’m here to document two is accurate. This past weekend in Atlanta, Georgia in the Heart of Centennial Olympic Park. Legends bestowed upon and took upon the task of creating a story that if otherwise not present you’d have sworn it was mere LEGEND.

Imagine a line-up that paid homage to the epicenter of music in Atlanta but also honored those who have paved the way in the highest of regards in genres across the board. Close your eyes (after you read this and tell me what this sounds like).

Day 1 started relatively modest, blessing our ears with new artistry in the form of Queen Naija, Summer Walker, and Koffee.

Summer- a native to Atlanta, Georgia performing in her hometown.

Queen Naija- young and talented with a story to tell.

Then Koffee the youngest of the new and having a song titled, yes you guessed it “LEGEND”.

Phony PPL, Justin Ruff, and Lolo Zouai.

Some relatively known and some fresh to the circuit, one French-Algerian Pop R&B star, a group of high school friends who established their name and just released their sixth album last fall, and then a soulful Maxwell reminiscent singer who essentially beat out numerous acts and earned his rightful space at the 10th annual ONE MUSIC FEST.

So if this small introduction doesn’t tickle your music appreciation, then let’s go to some names that unless you’ve lived under a rock, one can’t merely deny their resilience and how they’ve paved their lanes and upheld their respective statuses.

NY LIVING LEGEND, Busta Rhymes, who has worked with everyone from ATCQ to Wu-Tang Clan and in between Diddy, Missy Elliot, Pharrell, Chris Brown, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige, and this list can go on. Yet let’s also not forget although this is about music, he has created his lane in many voice and acting spots, notably in John’ Singleton’s “Higher Learning” as well as the hit satirical cartoon “Boondocks”.

If Busta Rhymes is a bit loud for you, then I’m sorry it only continues to go up from here. The young brother duo out of Mississippi, whose group name is “Ear Drummers” spelled in reverse with mega-hits “Black Beatles”, “No Type”, and “No Flex Zone”.

RAE SREMMURD- for those still lost.

Then the Canadian whose name does not begin with a D, yet his name and notoriety for his perfect samples, unique flow, and catchy delivery are a tell-tale. No need to even venture far, as Tory Lanez has found his lane and without much resistance has delivered quality music for years.

Now maybe you are a tough critic of LEGENDS.

So although ATLANTA was the host, 305 made its way and did not disappoint.

Florida’s very own thug, Trick Daddy, came and decided to make his presence felt. Performing all of his classics, including his collaboration “Nann N***a” with Ms. 305 herself, Trina, who after losing her mother days prior came out and rocked the stage and showed her fans ALL LOVE. As she and the crowd shed tears, they also spit the hardcore lyrics to “Look Back At It” and “Single Again” that only can come from one of the pioneers for women in hardcore rap could provide. This was followed by Mr. Teddy PinHERA** down who’s showmanship from singing to dancing to catchy songs was on full display.

Now I know you are either exhausted at this point or in disbelief or both, but let the record show this is no fable and the story merely gets better because as the sun went down and the crowds were seemingly done, the ultimate Memphis reunion of Three 6 Mafia took place, including all members, Crunchy Black, Dj Paul, and Gangsta Boo.

Slob on my knob- LIVE, enough said!

Then Atlanta’s very own, Mr. Guwop! Gucci Mane performed all his trap-inspired hits and rocking the crowd’s undivided attention rounded out the entire day with all his traditional trap hits.

The crazy part was that was just DAY 1.

PART 2

Day 2 started a little late, no lie, and after almost seven hours of direct sunlight, blaring music, and beautiful people I needed a few extra minutes to lay down and make sure I properly fueled up for another long eventful day.

Now after reading about Day 1, how could day 2 compare right? WRONG!

As I’m walking up, none other than R&B Legend Musiq Soulchild is gracing the stage with Snoh Aalegra the new kid on the block, who had just finished up her set. So literally, it was lyrically beauty from the new and old, and this was the start to another great day.

As I found my way to another stage, we then found TEXAS native Tobe Nwigwe. It was a bit of a wait, but it was well worth it. As always, he paid homage to his wife FATS who was in attendance with their newborn, and he rocked the stage giving nothing but ENERGY to his crowd and his set.

So this was within the first two hours of Day 2, but then I just had to glide on over to The Queen of Dreamville. Yes, I’ve already written about Ari Lennox’s album “Shea Butter Baby” a few months back, but it still resonates and as it is now fall, the album will find its way back into rotation easily.

Ms. Ari Lennox completely rocked the crowd, having fun singing hits like “Shea Butter Baby”, “BMO”, “Whipped Cream”, and “Up Late”… Not only that, but her personality was so chill and laid back. After her set, I caught up with her backstage and she was super casually talking to fans in Nike Slides.

However, I couldn’t stay long because former Tony Toni Tone singer, Raphael Saadiq, who has fared well as a solo artist, was soon to perform. If you need a refresher on whom Tony Toni Tone, just play the classic love anthem “Anniversary”

Now Saadiq performed his recently dropped album “Jimmy Lee” paying homage to his late brother who struggled with drug addiction for a vast portion of his life until he overdosed. He made sure his brother’s name was in lights respectively.

Although this may sound sad, the mood calm and the crowd was elated as Raphael sang and played the guitar alongside his band, just jamming.

But considering that he has been around since the late ’80s, this California native, at 53, looked lively and well. Seeing as he has worked with LEGENDS like EWF, PRINCE, Stevie Wonder, Mac Dre, Whitney Houston, The Isley Brothers, and this list could go on.

Of course, this may be grown folks music and I know I may be out of place when it comes to position in time, but I can appreciate greatness when I am exposed to it!

Then I had to dash over to the stage that hosted one of my favorite underrated artists, Lloyd! Yes, the “Southside”, “Get It Shawty”, “Hazel” artist came out and looked to be just a vibrant and lively as ever. Performing his known nine hits and new singles from his latest album “Tru” while throwing in some dance moves.

So, I’m not sure if you are following, but LEGEND (to me anyway….) after LEGEND has performed, and this was only the midpoint of the day.

After hearing women woo and go crazy over Lloyd, it was my turn to see the sex appeal goddess and laid back R&B artist Teyana Taylor. She definitely did not disappoint. She went all out dancing with her talented group of dancers who complimented her moves, and just when you thought you saw it all, Teyana hopped off the stage, ran into the crowd and performed up close and personal for the fans. Performing mostly from “K.T.S.E” album, the Harlem songstress went crazy on “Rose In Harlem” before paying a tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle.

If you are looking for someone to looking to someone for body goals, Teyana got you! Her husband Iman was also there in full support. He was very chill walking behind the stage taking pictures and just chilling out with media.

Then There was Brenda, LaTisha, Linda, Felicia (okay)
Dawn, LeShaun, Ines, and Alicia (ooh)
Teresa, Monica, Sharron, Nicki (uh-huh)

Lisa, Veronica, Karen, Vicky (damn)
Cookies, well I met her in an ice cream parlor (aight?)

Yes, you guessed it! DMX Challenge not needed. X blessed the stage, and of course, he performed his famous song. Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be worth the experience if he didn’t, but the NY native came out and didn’t disappoint.

So about 25 years ago a group started putting together something different and unseen. RZA, GZA, ODB, GHOSTFACE, RAEKWON THE CHEF, METHOD MAN, U-GOD, INSPECTAH DECK, and MASTA KILLA.

They took over the stage with all in attendance, with the exception of the late ODB, but his replacement was more than suitable. ODB’s son, YDB, took his dad’s place and made his father proud, helping perform Wu’s hits. Of course, Atlanta went wild for C.R.E.A.M.

Then as the tribute to WuTang’s 25^th anniversary came to an end, the BIGGEST BOSS found his way out. The Wingstop enthusiast and Maybach connoisseur let his bars fly as he graced the stage and performed from his nearly endless catalog. Performing hits from everything like guest appearances to his latest and 10th studio album “Port of Miami 2” which is actually astonishing, taking into the fact he has been out since 2005. That’s nearly a new album every year and a half, not to mention his collaborations. Plus Rick Ross is an executive to his label and artists like Meek Mill and Wale.

I’m not sure if I’m more tired from typing this or trying to remember every detail experienced.

I’m actually just remembering that although it seems that it was a lot the final stretch is coming.

So KP THE GREAT is a DJ and he decided to honor his closest friends, so let’s run down the list of his FRIENDS!

Yung Joc

Young Dro

D4L

KAP G

ROTIMI

DA BRAT

Monica

OT Genesis

Trey Songz

Usher

Pharrell Williams

YES, they all performed!

YES, they all showed out!

YES, this was not a facade!

SO LIKE I SAID ONE MUSIC FEST IS WHERE LEGENDS ALIGNED….

– J. Hall

Hello,