Soularized

slowFlow’s jaythreeoh helps us sift MusicFest’s crunk, r&b, and hip-hop

By jaythreeoh

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I don't know about you, but I'm pretty charged up for the weekend of July 16 and 17 to roll around. If you haven't heard about it, you should've. I think it's going to be pretty big. Huge, even. No, I don't work for the promotions committee of Rochester MusicFest. No, Mayor Bill didn't slide me any dead presidents to say this.

In the 11-year history of the Rochester MusicFest, I don't think it has ever had such a stellar, superstar lineup. For an r&b and hip-hop cat like me, the lineup is sick.

We're talking Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, and Faith Evans: Already that's over 25 million records sold in the US alone, with countless hits. Not to mention 112 and Jagged Edge, each of them with a core audience to scoop their records up every time they drop. We also have the newcomers on the scene: Raheem DeVaughn, Lyfe Jennings, and John Legend, larger-than-life right now with the help of his Kanye West-produced debut. Speaking of Kanye West, we've gotta talk about the sole hip-hop act on the bill, Common, who just put out his blazin' hot LP on West's record label.

As great as this sounds (at least to me), there are a few acts I could have done without. BET's making-the-band group Fatty Koo will be there, as will non-singing-but-fun-song-making Ciara, and the "move your body" girls Nina Sky. I guess they're harmless, but they're not who I'm checking for. I'm hungry for the meat and potatoes of the event, and I'll sit through the low-fat appetizers to see 'em.

--- jaythreeoh

Find out more info about the 2005 Rochester MusicFest by clicking here!

In This Guide...

Rochester MusicFest

Line up

The stars of MusicFest

Nina Sky While we haven't heard much from these twins since "Move Your Body" was one of 2004's hottest summer jams, this pair knows how to keep heads bouncin' and booties shakin'.

Jul 13, 2005
Rochester MusicFest

Light the candles

Brian McKnight is not who you think he is.

By Erica Curtis Jul 13, 2005

Brian McKnight
Rochester MusicFest

Young soul

There's a soul consistency to John Legend's musical brew, but his lyrics run from family man to pimp, from doomed to saved. "I'm certain there's someone who doesn't approve of what I'm doing at my church," he says.

By Frank De Blase Jul 13, 2005

John Legend
Rochester MusicFest

Common grounded

Music artist Common says he's come a long way since "drinking 40 ounces, talking about getting girls --- you know, raw hip-hop." "But, when you go through these experiences as a man," he says, "you evolve.

By jaythreeoh Jul 13, 2005

Common
Rochester MusicFest

Everyday people

Just your regular superstar everyman: Lyfe Jennings is out of jail and on your radio.

By jaythreeoh Jul 13, 2005

Lyfe Jennings
Rochester MusicFest

The lowdown

Rochester MusicFest 2005 is Saturday and Sunday, July 16 and 17, in Genesee Valley Park, 1 to 8:30 p.m. both days, rain or shine.

Jul 13, 2005