Initiative Radio Salute to Black History Makers 2011 [Event Recap, Photos, Video]

Initiative Radio with Angela McKenzie, a syndicated, entertainment and cultural affairs radio program, held it’s yearly Salute to Black History Makers at Best Buy in Union Square. Awards of recognition were presented to Jimmy McMillan, of the Rent is Too Damn High political party, and The Astronomical Kid, a hip hop wunderkind whose talent when performing, and positive aura when not, delighted the audience who had gathered for the event, which was puncuated by a series of performances from underground and independent hip hop, R&B and spoken word artists. Keishorne Scott handled hosting duties, while Turntableizm held down the ones and twos for the evening.

Birthplace Magazine was a media sponsor of the event. Click here to see more photos from the Initiative Radio Salute to Black History Makers 2011.

A flurry of MCs entertained the throng of shoppers and supporters who packed the viewing area of the Live at Best Buy stage. Rapstress Nena Bleu temporarily enlisted the beatbox talents of Grey Matter, turning a technical difficulty into a shining impromptu hip hop moment, and the crowd enjoyed an energetic and entertaining set by the inimitable Jesse Abraham. Premonition rocked, announcing his upcoming European tour, while SuperKing Armor delivered a rousing rendition of his “Yadda, Yadda, Yadda.” The tag team of Warren Britt and MC Faceman joined forces for the highly animated, and slightly destructive, crowd-favorite “Me and My Friends.”

Crooners like Jeanette Berry and Hassan Farrow brought their soulful sounds while while duos including underground veteran L.I.F.E. Long and Nutso, and LL…Rreals (Translucent & Surreal) kept things energized with beatbox talent ELANEF joining L.I.F.E. Long and Premonition for a lively collaboration.

After receiving his Black History Maker award, Jimmy McMillian spoke briefly to the crowd, and then The Astronomical Kid was introduced. Known best for his rhythmic lecture “Stop Looking At My Moms,” the young MC showed poise and maturity both with his performances, as well as his acceptance speech, after also being honored by Ms. McKenzie. Finishing out a fun performance of several songs with a thoughtful, powerful message, and one where the youngster spit PG-13 seductions to a woman in the audience, in a modern day remake of the type of older-than-his-years vibe a young Michael Jackson would invoke.

Check out Initiative Radio with Angela McKenzie on Facebook for more information and where and when to listen.

Click here to see more photos from the Initiative Radio Salute to Black History Makers 2011

(Videos courtesy of Steve Ortiz)

Jesse Abraham performs “Spiderman On Vitamins”

The Astronomical Kid performs