Hardcore hip hop legends Onyx were joined by a host of past, current, and emerging voices at Littlefield in Brooklyn on February 7 for the second edition of “The Craft,” an ongoing series by MCMI that seeks to provide an “elevated” hip hop experience to Brooklyn community members, according to co-founder Rodney Willie, better known as LR Blitzkrieg. “‘MCMI means ‘I am an MC,’” Blitzkrieg told the Amsterdam News in an interview ahead of the event. “As artists ourselves, we wanted to create an elevated experience of what shows used to be back in the day.”
Onyx performing with a slew of special guests at The Craft at Littlefield in Brooklyn on Feb 7. (Johnny Knollwood video
Willie performed alongside the evening’s lineup that included The Bad Seed and Smif N Wessun, alongside Onyx. “We call it ‘The Craft’ because the craft of hip hop and lyricism is important to us,” Willie explained. “But also tie it into: we’re drinkers. We like great cocktails, so we incorporated those two things together.” The evening featured a special drink menu with cocktails named after the artists, including a tequila based cocktailed called “The Slam,” after Onyx’s 1993 hit that was performed to rousing applause on Saturday. “[It’s] just something to make it a little extra special,” said Willie. “To allow our crowd to have a really new experience and a good time.” Despite below-freezing temperatures, hip hop aficionados packed out the Brooklyn space, bumping and chanting along to their favorite songs.
Stay up to date with upcoming events, and livestream past events at thecraft.nyc.