Last Friday, on November 3rd, 2023, I found myself front and center at the highly-anticipated album listening event for Dave East and Cruch Calhoun's "30 for 30." The whole vibe of the night left a lasting impression on New York's hip-hop scene, with the crowd a mix of anxious fans and curious onlookers eagerly anticipating East's latest musical drop.
Dave East, a heavyweight in the city's hip-hop scene, brought a performance that seamlessly blended hard-hitting bars and razor-sharp hooks. His lyrical skill was in full effect, solidifying his place in the heart of New York's cultural landscape. However, despite the venue being overpacked, there was room for improvement, especially in the sound department. A better audio setup could've taken the sonic experience to the next level, letting us dive even deeper into East's storytelling.
Now, let's talk about the dynamic duo—Dave East and Cruch Calhoun, the Steph and Klay of hip-hop. Picture Dave's effortless Harlem flow perfectly complemented by Cruch's laid-back but cool New Jersey cadence.
Cruch Calhoun, the independent artist from Jersey, started penning lyrics at the tender age of 12. It took until 2015 for him to drop his first mixtape, "The Other Side +," but since then, he's been on fire, catching the attention of none other than Dave East. Their collaboration has been real, with multiple features on East's projects over the years. In 2019, Calhoun even joined East on his international "Survival" tour, and more recently, he kicked off East's Karma 3 tour in the fall of 2021. Calhoun, at his core, is a storyteller—sharing tales of loss, fatherhood, his street past, and the daily grind of life on the road. Currently repping Dave East's FTD label, managed by Alioop in NYC, and with PR representation by Aarti Popat in London, Calhoun puts the art and poetry of rap above all else.
Now, let's talk about the sonic journey of the night, fueled by the beats crafted by producers, including the notable Araab Music. Their collaboration created a musical synergy that reverberated throughout the venue, providing the perfect backdrop to East's lyrical finesse. Beyond being a celebration of Dave East's talent, the event was a snapshot of New York's thriving hip-hop culture—a clear sign of the city's ongoing and influential role in shaping the genre.
Comentários