And, after running in place to the late rapper Shawty Lo's ("my Bankhead patna") "Dey Know," T.I. made sure the set list included a few hits, too. voiced his support for the quarterback and his protest.įrom "Bring Em Out" to "Live Your Life" and "What You Know," T.I. Wearing a denim jacket, jeans, a Tupac tshirt and brimmed hat, the rapper spent 40 minutes showcasing songs from his catalog that touch on social issues, including "New National Anthem" and the older cut "No Mo Talk" from his sophomore album "I'm Serious." As his hype man stood nearby, sporting a Colin Kaepernick jersey, T.I. as he opened with his new song "We Will Not," but it wasn't hard to decipher the message as the rapper stood with one fist in the air at one point during the song. But, his set list for this festival showcased a side of the rapper that may be new to some fans.ĭue to sound issues, it was hard to hear T.I. is known for his raps that reflect the life of a man who grew up in Bankhead and is struggling to stay on the right path in the midst of adversity. In the song, the rapper questions his role as white person and hip hop artist, unsure of his role in the struggle of African-Americans. Wearing a white-tank top and black jeans, Macklemore delivered a high energy, fully engaging show, switching between the light “Thrift Shop” to the more melancholy tone of “Same Love.” The performance of Macklemore’s newer song “White Privilege II” was particularly poignant and emotional. “I choose to celebrate diversity,” he said. Macklemore said he doesn’t care about race, religion, sexual orientation “or what bathroom you use.” Fear and hatred can never overpower love.” “ uses fear and hatred to divide human beings,” he said. Macklemore instantly commanded the stage with a fun party vibe but the lanky Seattle rapper turned serious when talking about politics and race.Īfter rapping a remix of an anti-Donald Trump song “ Donald Trump” Macklemore said, “let’s take a look” at why he was singing this anti-Trump song. "The nerve of some people to say 'All Lives Matter,'" he added. "These people are not going to stop killing us until we make them stop killing us," Professor Griff said.
The group didn't leave the stage without offering some social commentary. The highlight came when Chuck D praised the late actor Bill Nunn before performing "Fight the Power," from the film "Do The Right Thing," in which Nunn famously portrayed Radio Raheem. D also acknowledged Flavor Flav's absence ("Flavor should've brought his here"). The group performed songs such as "Bring the Noise" and "Shut Em Down" during their 40 minute set.Ĭhuck D praised Harry Belafonte for the Many Rivers Festival, and also noted that the social activist helped induct Public Enemy into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Opening with "Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos," Professor Griff wore a durag, bulletproof vest and black pants and delivered choreographed dance moves with S1W. 2 when Public Enemy took the stage about one hour after the festival opened to the public, but that didn't stop the band from delivering a high-energy set. There was only a small crowd gathered at stage no. Here's a look at some of the acts who performed on day one: "I paid $120 dollars to see David Matthews the last time, so this is a great deal," he said.īyrd, who also enjoys going to Music Midtown, said he enjoyed the smaller, intimate feel of this festival. Two-day passes were selling for $40 on Saturday. Sitting close the stage, he knew he was about to enjoy Matthews at a bargain price. "I didn't even know about the social justice component until I got here," he said. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Manzy Byrd of Atlanta said he was there for the music, especially Dave Matthews.
Talia agreed, adding, "It's nice to see not just African Americans turn out for this." But I don't want her to live in fear, either." I don't want her to grow up hating anyone. I don't want my daughter, who is 3, to grow up in a world that is separated.
"I am extremely concerned about the shootings. "For me, the music is just icing on the cake," Matthew McDonald, who is 29 and lives in Stone Mountain, said.
The couple visited several informational booths Saturday, including one about Native Americans protesting a pipeline's route under the Missouri River and another one featuring Barbie-like dolls with different complexions and curly-kinky hair. Matthew McDonald and his wife Talia Taylor, both wearing "Black Lives Matter," pins said they were mainly drawn to Many Rivers to Cross because of the message of social justice.
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