The Trinity International Hip Hop Festival was a pivotal moment for me as an artist. It offered a platform to showcase brand new material and connect with global artists while hearing their unique stories. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this festival wasn’t just another event—it was a gathering of like-minded individuals passionate about preserving and evolving Hip Hop. Special thanks to RapOet and Professor Seth Markle for welcoming me, COMA-CHI, and Asuka to the 19th Annual Trinity International Hip Hop Festival at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. Their trust in my recommendations and help setting things up was phenomenal. It all felt as effortless as my work internationally with Next Level USA.
The Trinity International Hip Hop Festival was a pivotal moment for me as an artist. It offered a platform to showcase brand new material, connect with global artists while listening closely to them sharing their individual stories, and dive deeper into the essence of what Hip Hop represents. From the moment I arrived, it became clear that this festival wasn’t just another event; it was a gathering of like-minded individuals who are passionate about preserving and evolving the culture of Hip Hop. Special thanks to RapOet and Professor Seth Markle who welcomed myself, COMA-CHI, and Asuka to the at Trinity College (in Hartford, CT). Prior to the event, their facilitation in setting things up and their trust in me to recommend bringing out and Asuka were nothing short of phenomenal. This all felt like the ease that I experience working internationally with
Sharing the Journey Through Music
One of the standout moments for me during the festival was my performance. Not only did I have the opportunity to test out brand-new, unreleased material, but I also had the chance to share the stories behind each song. I’ve never really aligned my songs with intros in the past, but this time, I made an intentional effort to give the audience a deeper connection to the music. It was a rewarding experience to field-test songs in front of a live audience and witness their immediate reactions. Even now, a few weeks later, I’m still receiving messages from attendees who connected with the material.
It wasn’t just about performing; it was about creating a shared moment, a dialogue between me and the audience. That feeling of connection is something I cherish, and the feedback has been invaluable.
Collaborations That Matter
One of the most powerful aspects of the festival was the opportunity to collaborate with other artists. Sharing the stage with COMA-CHI… who made history as the first woman in Japan to be signed to a major label for rap after proving herself in an all-male battle circuit… was truly an honor. During her set, I had the distinct privilege of playing my beats live while DJ Stealth held it down on the turntables, and Asuka (an exceptionally gifted traditional koto player) brought the soulful resonance of the koto into the mix, adding a rich cultural dimension to the performance. This collaboration was more than just a set; it was a meaningful fusion of tradition and innovation, East and West, woven together through the universal language of music.
This is something you don’t typically see in New York, and it definitely doesn’t happen in Hartford. For these two incredible women to travel all the way from Japan to share this moment at the festival was something special, and it spoke volumes to the artists in Hartford. They were front and center, cheering, engaged, and fully present in the experience. What struck me even more was that COMA-CHI wasn’t performing in English… her songs were 90% in Japanese. Yet, the crowd was just as energetic, as if she were singing in our native tongue (technically she was because true Hip Hop MCs connect with all beyond language which is something she did POWERFULLY!!!!). It reinforced the idea that language isn’t the barrier we often think it is; the real magic of music lies in its vibration, its energy. The people were moving, dancing, cheering, and throwing their hands in the air, feeling the music deeply. Watching COMA-CHI and Asuka in their pure joy as we performed together with DJ Stealth was so powerful that it even inspired the Connecticut artists to drive down to New York a week later just to attend our show and show love. That’s the kind of collaboration that truly matters to me.
Additionally, Juro “Mez” Davis (known for his mixing engineer work with Dreamville and was known as MF Mez the MC) made the incredible effort to drive over 10 hours to join us at the festival. It had been years since I last saw him, and his presence added a profound and personal dimension to the experience. It was also a true joy to reunite and perform alongside RapPoet… both he and Mez are longtime collaborators of mine, and we all used to be part of the same rap group. Sharing that history while witnessing the incredible performances and hearing the stories of so many international artists made the festival even more meaningful and unforgettable.
Beat Battle & Cypher Highlights
I wasn’t originally scheduled to be in the Beat Battle/Cypher, but due to some last-minute changes, I found myself stepping up as a participant. What an incredible experience it was! Hosted by music production gladiator G-Whiz (an absolute monster in his own right)… the competition featured some of the most talented producers I’ve encountered, including Ms. Madli, a sister I’ve admired for years (she’s an i-Standard beat battle champion), Wes Keys and Nuk! IEach round of the battle had a specific theme, which kept things fresh and dynamic.
From freestyle rounds to playing R&B beats, each challenge gave us the opportunity to show different sides of our production skills. The energy in the room was awesome, and it was a true testament to the power of Hip Hop’s ever-evolving creativity. What was great is that we got to play music for the youth as the room was filled with a ton of super young kids that were in attendance for the Hip Hop Fest – it was dope to get some of their approving on our beats and they vibed and bopped to the rhythms. If the youth approve, it means we are doing something right! I give thanks!
The Block Party: A Celebration of Culture
The block party was another unforgettable experience. On one side, graffiti artists were showcasing their skills, creating live art on the walls. My friends BOM5, Doolio, and Luz were among those contributing to this vibrant display of urban creativity. On the other side of the party, people were hanging out, listening to the music, and enjoying the vibes. DJ Johnny Juice from Public Enemy was on the decks, cutting up some classic tracks, and the crowd was loving it.
Then, something magical happened: COMA-CHI grabbed the mic, and the energy shifted. Hydro jumped on the mic, and before we knew it, a massive cypher had formed. The space was alive, buzzing with raw energy and creative exchange. We were having so much fun that we nearly missed our train back to New York. But that’s the spirit of Hip Hop… it’s about being fully present, giving all you have to the culture, and enjoying every second of it.
Wisdom from Minister Server
One of the most profound moments for me at the festival came when I met Minister Server, who had been appointed by KRS-One as the minister of the Temple of Hip Hop. His insights into the history and future of Hip Hop culture were eye-opening. The artists I met in Hartford, many of whom embody the Temple’s tenets of peace, love, unity, and having fun, reminded me of what Hip Hop is truly about. They live the culture every day, not just as musicians, but as multifaceted practitioners… DJs, visual artists, MCs, dancers, and more.
Minister Server’s words stuck with me long after the festival ended: “Focus on quality over quantity.” In an age where it often feels like the core values of Hip Hop are being diluted, this advice was a timely reminder. Instead of worrying about what’s missing in the culture, we should focus on the quality of what we contribute. As long as we stay true to the roots of Hip Hop and bring our best to every performance, every song, and every collaboration, the culture will thrive.
Key Encounters and Highlights
I don’t know what it is, but I KNOW what it is. As soon as Medusa walked through the door, I found myself instinctively going in for a hug. She’s a legend…we all know this BUT… her energy was something beyond words. It felt like pure Divine Feminine Womb energy straight from the universe (but it’s beyond a feeling and more of a KNOWING that my soul just KNEW what the deal was). In that moment, it felt like I was standing face-to-face with creation itself. “Divine Feminine” doesn’t even begin to describe the vibration Medusa carries in person. I’ve about her for years, but I didn’t truly KNOW know… and NOW…I KNOW… lol. And wow… I’m so thankful I got to meet her in this lifetime. She’s a master MC and vocalist. I was studying everything—her presence, her delivery, her energy. I know she saw me soaking it all in. Seeing her perform was a full-on masterclass, and by day two, having her see me playing beats and then giving me that deep, affirming validation as a producer? That meant everything. I can’t wait to build with her in the very near future.
In addition to the profound conversations, I had the chance to meet some truly inspiring people. Azeem, a b-boy, MC, and farmer, was one of the standout individuals. His work in food justice is an essential part of the community, and it was humbling to hear about his efforts to bring fresh, local produce to his community while still living the Hip Hop lifestyle. His tea blend was an absolute treat, and I’m excited to see how his work grows.
I got to vibe heavy with the MC named Hydro. Every single room he was in he lit it up. His vibe was ALL HIP HOP 24/7 and it was dope to build with him, listen to him, and get aligned.
Same with BOM5… I hadn’t seen my Hip Hop big bro since like 2012! We first met at a Hip Hop party at The Delancey in NYC, and he’s stayed connected ever since. We’d check in with each other now and then on IG, LINE, and other platforms. I had no idea we’d reconnect at the Trinity International Hip Hop Festival… that was such an unexpected and amazing gift.
I’ve got to shout out this phenomenal power couple… Raheem and Rara. They were front and center during our performance, completely locked in to everything I was saying lyrically. My set was laser-focused on lyricism, and the subject matter was heavy, but they stayed right there with me the entire time. I honestly felt seen and heard in a way that doesn’t happen often.
After the performance, it was dope to learn more about Raheem’s artwork and creative work, and to discover that Rara runs the No Starving Artists IG page… a powerful platform that highlights musicians doing incredible things with the craft.
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G-Wiz, who curated the Beat Battle, was another standout. His beats were next level, and it was a pleasure to connect with him as a fellow producer. His passion for music and the culture was contagious, and I know we’ll be collaborating in the future.
I was also pretty happy that I finally got to meet Skyzoo in person. I let him know that his material, especially the Retropolitan album with Pete Rock, were truly the soundtrack to working out and getting through the global pandemic of 2020-2024. I still play these songs to this day and “It’s All Good” – pun intended lol.
Lastly, I can’t forget the people who made the festival feel like a true family gathering… RapOet, Mez, Rahim, Celine, and so many others. Whether it was through shared conversations or spontaneous moments of joy, the bond we formed during those days is something I’ll cherish forever.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Hip Hop and Its Power to Connect
Looking back on the Trinity International Hip Hop Festival, I’m filled with gratitude. It wasn’t just about performing or showcasing new material—it was about coming together as a community of artists who share a love for the culture and a commitment to preserving its integrity. The connections made, the wisdom shared, and the experiences lived will stay with me as I continue on my journey as a Hip Hop artist. The festival reminded me that Hip Hop is more than just music; it’s a way of life, a culture that transcends borders and brings people together. And for that, I’m truly grateful.
