With Grammy weekend in full swing, about 200 artists, industry executives, and fans attended the inaugural MyHangSuite brunch in support of the Common Ground Foundation yesterday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the O Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.
The brunch, which also served as the official launch of the MyHangSuite live event series, saw performances by hip hop stalwart Heavy D, Res of Idle Warship, and newcomers J*Davey, Wayna, and Janelle Monae. Preceding the show, alternative funk artist Macy Gray kicked off the event with a special DJ set. Each artist performed two songs followed by a question and answer session moderated by host Garth Trinidad, internationally recognized KCRW DJ and co-founder of MyHangSuite—the “premiere online source” for urban alternative music and culture.
Hip hop artist and actor Common established the Common Ground Foundation two years ago as a vehicle to empower youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods by providing them with life skills needed to achieve their dreams. “From his earliest work till now, [Common] has always been recognized as someone who pushes boundaries,” Trinidad said. “And he’s really trying to push things forward with the foundation focusing on youth empowerment. He’s trying to give the kids more than the public education system is giving them these days.”
Heavy D, a 2009 Grammy nominee, began the showcase with songs off his December release, Vibes (Strides/ Universal), which was nominated for Best Reggae Album. Heavy ended his set with “Long Distance Girlfriend”—a bass-heavy, riddim pounding track inspired by his parents’love for each other.
“I think it's great that this foundation let’s these kids know that they can take control of their life,” he said after his performance. “I have a child who is eight years old and I try to teach her that. Don’t think outside yourself; you can achieve anything you can think about.”
But it was burgeoning Bad Boy recording artist and Grammy nominee (for Best Urban/ Alternative Performance) Janelle Monae who stole the show with the violin heavy “Sincerely Jane” and 1936 emotive ballad “Smile,” originally written by Charlie Chaplin. Monae, who commanded the stage during her 20 minute set, said she was humbled when asked about her first Grammy nomination.
“Whether I win or lose I am going to continue to be the artist that I am and conduct business as usual,” she said. “But I will say that I am highly gratified that I was recognized at such an early stage in my career. I’m just now warming things up, and [the nomination] shows that I’ve been out and made have myself available for people to see the art behind the music.”
Monae continued: “I love doing benefits, especially when it’s giving back to our next generation. I write music to hopefully save our next generation, so it all coincides.” All proceeds raised from the event were donated to the Common Ground Foundation.
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