Day two started with me checking out the B-Boy contest. I saw some wicked top-rocking, head-spins and freezes. I made it a point to check out the B-Boy contest because B-Boys have love for this Hip Hop shit like no other, believe me. The main stage combined music and fashion this go round with a runway fashion show going on before and during the performances. The models wore finger-paint, sneaks, bikini bottoms and New Era fitteds. And that was it. It was pretty sweet until the male models came out. Mullet-rocking, local trend-setter Caleb Gage hosted with DJ Klever on the wheels.

Day two catered to Atlanta’s home-grown talent with the likes of Gripplyaz, Holly Weerd, Proton and B.o.B. all respectively doing their thing. Gripplayaz’ set was capped off by an unforgettable moment when he brought out a female with plenty of backside to shake it for his track, “Project Ho.” The people who weren’t paying attention were all eyes for the "Tip Drill"-esque moment. Holly Weerd also picked up some new fans—like me—when they performed the futuristic and melodic, synthed out “Weerdo.” Proton put together a pretty dope set as well with my favorite track being their “Ready to Go.” Collectively, they showed there’s more to the ATL then finger snapping and crank-that dances. B.o.B. stood out though, ripping his brief set. B.o.B. started his performance doing this crazy dance teetering back and forth and jerking his arms about rapidly; like, you really have to see it. And although his set was only four-five songs he easily has one of the most energetic shows I’ve seen in a minute and his voice is so booming it’s crazy. Watch out for B.o.B., who with the success of "Lollipop" and a resurgence of Andre 3000, may see his Rebel Rock/Atlantic debut released sooner than later in '08.

California up and comer, Blu [click here to read feature...] also threw down on day two. The crowd seemed to be unfamiliar with him when he came out but they warmed up quickly after a few tracks. He performed fan faves “Soul Provider,” “Simply Amazin’” and “No Greater Love". Blu rocked the mic on and offstage jumping into the crowd passing out some of his discs. You can tell he came to A3C with a few fans but left with a lot more receiving a generous applause upon his departure.

But don’t get it confused or twisted, day two was about the reunion of The Juice Crew. Right after Blu finished his set, he went into fan mode. We rapped briefly about how crazy it was for him to rock before The Juice Crew. Then the crowd was greeted with the presence of the foundation of the crew, deejay and producer, Marley Marl. The deejay then unleashed a few of Marley’s creations that set the crowd into a frenzy. The first member of the crew introduced was Craig G who performed some of his older work but dropped some newness as well including some tracks off of his upcoming project with Marley Marl, Operation Take Back Hip Hop [click here to read...]. Then Marley returns and says “show them some more of the tracks on my resume.” By this time the crowd is so amped it’s unbelievable. Cats are doing the wop like crazy. Marley then introduces MC Shan who—get this—starts his set singing along over Rocko’s “This Morning.” Yes, I said Rocko then, rapping along with the Shop Boyz’ on “Party Like a Rockstar.” It was bananas. MC Shan also brought out Killer Mike and Bonecrusher who performed “Never Scared.” Bonecrusher quickly stripped out of his shirt wearing that angry, deranged look he dons while Killer Mike did the Eastside stomp. I still can’t believe it went down.

MC Shan, of course, couldn’t leave the stage without doing “Queensbridge.” The next Juice Crew member to rock was Roxanne Shante who claims the throne as the undisputed queen emcee and after she wrecks the stage you can’t help but agree. Biz Markie shut it down doing “Make Music with My Mouth,” “The Vapors” and “Just a Friend” and some more hits out of his catalogue. I can honestly say I had never been apart of something in Hip Hop that was so significant and it was an honor to just be there. Continued on page 3 »