It was a sunny labor day in the bay and what a better way to chill with the '93 till crew? Bay area hip-hop legends, Hieroglyphics, hosted it's first annual Hiero Day in their hometown of Oakland. It was a huge turn out than anyone could have expected. I've gone to the past 3 Berkeley's Hip-Hop in the Parks and only a few hundred would be in the crowd at most. But the much respected Hiero was able to bring out thousands of music lovers. Everyone was filled with positive vibes enjoying some good ol' hip-hop. For a moment in time, Hiero was able to accomplish a down to earth, old school hip-hop event bringing unity to the community, which has been missing in the industry. Two stages, the New Parish stage and the main stage, was jam packed as local artists, vendors and food trucks came out to join the party. I arrived midway through just in time to see the primetime acts (sadly I missed Kev Choice and Moe Green). Oh I forgot one thing, the event was free! Thanks Hiero!
I walked my way to the front of the stage as I was greeted with Mistah Fab. He was a joke filled gentleman and a great emcee. He shared the stage with some of the acts and showed off his freestyle skills in between sets.
Grouch and one half of Zion-I, Baba Zumbi, performed tracks off of their collaboration album, Heroes In The City Of Dope. The duo truly know how to hype up a crowd.
Planet Asia is ruthless.
SF's own Martin Luther has some mad vocals for a perfect cool off performance.
Gift of Gab always spits fire with his one of a kind flow.
Thousands wait for the legendary Hiero.
Once DJ Toure hops on the decks...
The Hieroglyphics group in its entirety take over the stage opening with You Never Knew.
Del was hiding behind his ipad for most of the performance, but we were fortunate to hear him spit two verses. The Homosapien at his finest!
Hiero Y'ALLL!
