Speak will perform at the D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Fest this weekend. (Andrew Quesada/Contributed Image)
Want proof that the Inland Empire is bursting with hip-hop talent? Check out the D.I.Y. Music and Fashion Festival at the Glass House in Pomona on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Celebrating its third year, the festival not only highlights some of the brightest in local music, but also local designers.
Here are some of the artists to keep an eye on. I’ve included some links for your listening pleasure, but beware–most are explicit.
Speak
You might already know Anthony “Speak” Negrete, the man responsible for “Bulletproof Denali.” He’s featured with his weekly column, “Saturdays with Speak,” on MySpace. He also co-wrote Kreayshawn’s smash “Gucci Gucci.” Speak grew up Moreno Valley and was on the Paid Dues lineup this year.
Listen to “Perfect Hair,” a title which also describes Speak’s locks. See above warning about language.
Visit www.applebird.tumblr.com for more.
Noa James (Contributed Image)
Noa James
Noa James is part of Black Cloud Music, the Inland collective that just keeps raising the bar when it comes to hip-hop. He’s also part of the Brick to Ya Face team, which is putting on the festival. See him this year because he will actually get to perform.
Here’s his latest release, “The Adventures of Young Orca.”
Check out more of his music at http://noajames.bandcamp.com.
Stevie Crooks (Contributed Image)
Stevie Crooks
Stevie Crooks led a successful campaign to perform at the 2013 Paid Dues Festival earlier this year. The Moreno Valley rapper recently posted new music produced by Tommy Boy.
Visit https://soundcloud.com/NYCA96.
Pheo
Moreno Valley’s Pheo has been added with Cashius Green on The Smokers Club national tour this fall with headliners Ab-Soul and Joey Bad… (expletive deleted so I can keep my job).
Visit http://soundcloud.com/pheo for more.
What Hands Are For(Contributed Image)
What Hands Are For
San Bernardino’s What Hands Are For are representing the rock and punk factions at the fest. Last week, the band’s song “We Love the Knife Light” was featured on MTV show “The Challenge: Rivals II.” Expect to hear new music from the band.
Visit www.facebook.com/whathandsarefor for more.
Curtiss King
Curtiss King, another shining spot on the Inland hip-hop scene, is also on the bill.
Here’s King’s performances and interview from his PE Live session a couple of months ago.
Other performers include First Dirt, Awukii, Ill Camille, Waju, Slay Squad, D’zyl, Cam Gnarly & DCXDCXDC, Hawdwerk, Yung Miss, Da Flatlynerz and Gypsy Mamba.
The event is all ages. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.
5 p.m. Saturday, The Glasshouse, 200 W. Second St. Pomona.
Visit www.Bricktoyaface.com for more information and pick up tickets at Ticketfly.com.
