Two words

by MORGAN STEIKER

Under. Pressure. The stars have aligned, y’all, let’s celebrate. After a valiant struggle to get the funds together, the 14th edition of Montreal’s own International Graffiti Convention happens this weekend. It’s a beautiful and much-needed thing, so treat it like your baby. Check it. The fun starts, as usual, in Peace Park early Saturday afternoon with your host Obie_1nder introducing a wicked line-up of Canadian (nobody from MTL, unfortunately) rap talent including Torontonians More or Les, Sound Improvement, Alex Dimez and Styro Foam Ones & Times Neue Roman alongside Halifax produce Spesh K and Ottawa ambassadors Kuma, Flight Distance and Homebased. On the decks, we got Kid PQ, DJ Irate, Scott C, DJ Abel, Vilify & Construct, Somsay and Milton Clarke. At night, the party continues starting at 9 p.m. on top of Underworld Skate Shop with a line-up of electro acts including 84.85, Payz Play and Syntonics, and tunes provided by a brochette of usual suspects A-Rock, Bind, Break, Cherry Cola, Hatchmatik, Kid Legit, Mayday, Mini and Rilly Guilty. Sunday, the outdoor stages behind Foufouness Électriques are crowded with Hopskotch Players, DJ Class, French Connection DJs, Psychology, DJ New Money, Simahlak, Mana, DJ Bliss, Furious, Off the Hook, Truspin, Blast, Maysr, Redd Dredd, DJ Kiffah & DJ Lazerface, Jonah’s Ear, Rhys & Wally, Mayday and Corey K. The evening event, hosted by Off the Hook’s radio hosts, includes Psynlangwage, Art Cons, Penzo Gritty Stem, Boombap Cats, Hindu Kush, Northern Lights, DJ Manifest & Dialekt, BluRum13, Lotus & Troy Dunnit, D-Sisive, Angerville, C.O.N.C.E.P.T. and BISC1. Also, don’t miss my personal favourite at U.P.—the dancing, including a popping battle with judges Fon and Monstapop and beats by DJ Shash’U, as well as b-boy/b-girl exhibition battles and a locking performance by Trek! Trek! Boom! There you have it, folks!

NOW PARTICIPATE… DABEATSEEKER@GMAIL.COM