Music Feature: AFRO-PUNK Fest

This past weekend I got the amazing opportunity to attend (the completely free) Afro-Punk music festival... AND IT WAS FLIPPING AMAZING!

The food was great, the music was great, the environment was great, and the people were awesome. I honestly had way too much fun.

Afro-Punk celebrates the other black experience, created to give black punks a place to create, rock out, and be themselves. The Afro-Punk Festival has been around since 2005.

Some of this year's headliners were Das Racist, Toro Y Moi, Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu. Unfortunately, I was only able to see a few artist, which included Roofeeo, Spank Rock, Das Racist, Reggie Watts, and Toro Y Moi.



After grabbing some burgers and fries from the SNAP food truck, I entered the festival located at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn and was overwhelmed by the sounds of DJ Roofeeo. This man is the DJ of our current music generation; his mixes were phenomenon, sexy, and down right dope. I am definitely looking out for him, and I suggest you do too.

Next, Spank Rock hit the stage, having no prior knowledge of his music, I didn't have any expectations, but once his mouth touch the mic, I knew it was true love. Spank Rock combines techno with raunchy-ness all wrapped up in a hip-hop blanket, and it is amazing. I loved every minute of his performance. He made me feel as if I was a long time fan.

Then it was the moment I had been waiting for the most -- DAS RACIST! And I almost shat my pants. Das Racist is one of my favorite rap groups cause they mix humor with social and political issues and they do it so well. Das Racist is one of the most interactive bands I have seen live, and I would definitely see them again.

The second day of APF, I was accompanied by my lovely photographer Shane Velazquez. This day was mainly focused on getting shoots of the event rather than enjoying it, but enjoy it I did. Especially getting to hear Reggie Watts. Watts is a comedian, singer, and human musicbox. Every song he performed was made right on the spot - now that is what I call FREESTYLIN'. This man has skills for days!

Finally, Toro Y Moi was the last performer of the night that I got to watch and I was very excited to see him. I first heard Y Moi playing on the radio when I was randomly shopping in Urban Outfitters back in '09. And I was pleasantly surprised by his stage precise during Afro-Punk.

In conclusion, both days of the festival were fantastic. I am so thankful that there's a free experience like Afro-Punk Fest. I encourage all of you to get involved and check out their website: AfroPunk.com

Love you kiddies!