On April 28th, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to rock the stage at the LOVE NOTE NYC fundraiser for Noto Japan. This Brooklyn event was more than just a concert; it was a beautiful blend of music, art, and community, all coming together to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan. Huge props to the amazing organizers @omenfourfour and @chicachicagirl, for putting on such a stellar event. // Photos by Hideki Aono (thank you bro!!)
Deep Connection, Live Performance.
Performing at this fundraiser was a true honor for me. My connection to Japan runs deep (you can read more about that here), so being there to give back felt incredible. The crowd energy was electric! I rocked some tracks from my album, SYNTAX ERROARS, and even threw down an acapella tribute to Hitotsu. Shout out to my brother Yuya from Japanklyn for hooking me up with the fresh cap – I was an honor to rep the brand!
It was amazing to connect with the audience, which had many Japanese folks in attendance! It was humbling to get props on how clear my Japanese raps were from fam like Shiro One and others – that doesn’t happen every day. Huge thanks to my wife for inviting IBF boxing champion Miho Yoshida, to my bro Taylor, DJ Cronosfader, and of course, Hideki Aono for capturing all the dope photos.
It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop
Love Note NYC wasn’t just about dropping rhymes. The event featured a killer lineup of artists, each bringing their unique flavor. Big respect to all the MCs and DJs who brought their A-game: El Da Sensei (Artifacts), MC Craig G (Juice Crew), Shadow Loaf (Loaf Muzik), Chelsea Reject, tnah, A Thug Scars, One Moon, Omenfourfour, and of course, yours truly, MeccaGodZilla!
Graffiti artist @shiro_one brought vibrant visual art to the event, creating an immersive and inspiring environment.
(MeccaGodZilla and Shiro One)
I haven’t seen my sis Shiro One since she painted a mural at my old studio in Long Island back in 2015. It’s been 9 years. The studio became a hub for MCs and artists in Long Island for all walks of life. Think of it like Switzerland if you get what I mean and Shiro stopped through and made sure we had a powerful start. I owe her so much for that – She’s one of the most amazing and beautiful souls I’ve met this lifetime. So much respect for her fr fr.
The DJ sets kept the party going all night with a genre-bending mix of Vinyl Soul, Funk, House, Afro Tech, Hip Hop, Reggae, Electronic, and Latin beats. Props to @xplargepro, @djevildee, @specialproblemny, @djkdef, @djkandonyc, @quiinnette, and DJ 7PLY for keeping the vibes flowing.
Special Touches and Community Spirit
A big shout out to the event hosts, @terryskywalker and @ar_immortal, who kept things smooth and the crowd engaged. Ayumi Ishito (@ayumimimi33) blessed us with an awesome saxophone performance that added a truly special touch to the day.
The food and vendors were another highlight! From Cupcake & Ramune (@mfc.williamsburg) to takoyaki by Yokonips (@yokonips) and delicious eats from REIKO’S☆KITCHEN (@funkyreiko), there was something for everyone. For those looking for swag, there were pop-up shops from @irievibes_vintage [invalid URL removed], @japanklyn, and @peacepieceworldwide, plus exclusive artist merch booths from El Da Sensei and Shiro One.
Overall, the Love Note NYC fundraiser was fire! It was an amazing experience to be part of such a powerful and meaningful event to raise money for the families affected by the earthquake in Noto, Japan. Huge respect to OmenFourFour, Chica, and The Meadows for making it all happen. This is what community is all about – coming together to support one another. Let’s keep the love and support flowing!
Lastly huge shouts to The Meadows for allowing us to use the space – their venue is fire!
(MeccaGodZilla and AR Immortal)
(Event organizer Chica of Childish Records)
FUN FACT: Chica and I have been friends for over 10 years, we met back in like 2006 or so. She’s been such an amazing person, super kind, and really supportive of Hip Hop artists. It was great to support her event with OmenFourFour this time, and I look forward to her throwing more events. The community that showed up to this event was such a perfect mix. I’m proud of her!
