SummerStage on Staten Island: Where Hip-Hop & Local Community Culture Align

Turntables were spinning, and fans were smoking and barbecuing as hip-hop culture came to Stapleton's Waterfront Park on Water Street for a massive festival. Drawing the likes of the legendary Rakim of "Paid in Full" fame, the festival's crown jewel headliner alongside participating artist collective Projectivity (www.projectivitygroup.org)  with co-sponsor MakerPark Radio (www.makerparkradio.nyc), this was a real treat for Islanders and those visiting from out of town.

As part of the ongoing SummerStage series, this was a free event that attracted major-league participation from several citywide agencies that pooled their resources to offer this one-of-a-kind experience including artist hub Projectivity and Staten Island's local radio podcast station MakerPark Radio. Each of the patrons had a unique hand in providing their services for the day as vendors. Muralist Jodi "Da Real" McArthur, Cram Concepts and Cody Prez, brought together by Projectivity and MakerPark Radio were each stationed on the grounds throughout the evening. They all used their bold talents in service of local culture.

Hosted by Video Music Box's Ralph McDaniels, the classic hip-hop lineup offered the music styling of Nice & Smooth, Joeski Love, Positive K, Sweet Tee, and, on the wheels of steel, DJ Chubby Chub. For hip-hop heads who were of age in the 80s and 90s, at the height of the art form, this was not to be missed. The night wasn’t without surprises as Wu Tang Clan's own Cappadonna made a guest appearance and laid down some memorable verses.

With an estimated several thousand attendees, food trucks, live art, and diverse music icons, it is a safe bet that this was a success for Staten Island that needs to be reproduced again and again. Events like these prove that the arts are indeed alive and well in the forgotten borough.

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