Upcoming local showcases put Worcester's hip-hop talent on display

For Worcester hip-hop artist Novian Wright, an opportunity to open up for Worcester-born national musical act Joyner Lucas at the recent Joynerfest at the Palladium was “everything I've ever wanted.” While he's no stranger to local stages — the recent high school grad has been a part of the scene since he was 8 years old — Wright says the feeling of being on stage and connecting with the audience makes him feel alive. But more than that, performing live is “crucial to growing in the industry.”

Wright will be one of several artists performing locally in a pair of showcases in the coming weeks. The first show — called "Indiependents Day" — will be held at 8 p.m. July 3 at Electric Haze, and will feature local artists Grimwav, Sha-Elemental, Ferris Elektrik, K'Nen, the Reignmakers, Vorheez, Laura Michelle and the artists of Genosha Records. Admission is $20.

The showcase is being thrown by a hip-hop collective known as the Hip Hop Lifers. The collective was founded by Anthony L’talien and Brad Bailey, who say they want artists to know they don’t have to “pay to play.” This opportunity is important because, in many cases, artists have to pay to get on stage — hopefully recouping their losses through ticket sales — so creating a show where that is not a concern gives artists a chance to focus solely on their performances and networking with the audience and other artists. 

Genosha Records is an underground hip-hop label owned and co-founded by Worcester-area hip-hop artists LoGun, Ghost of The Machine and Weapon ESP, which focuses on "lyrics, beats and art.” If you’re an X-Men fan, the name Genosha probably sounds very familiar: Based on the fictional island that was a safe space for mutants, Genosha shares the same objective, a safe haven for artists.    

LoGun says he wants the show to be a place where artists can “gain fans off each other.” He excitedly says the show is “stacked with talent” with “artful and grimey beats.” When people come to the show he wants them to take away that “the art is still alive and there’s still people who put their whole life into it.”

The second show will be presented by Stanton Capitol Recordings at 8 p.m. July 15 at the Raven Music Hall and will feature SCR artists, along with Wright, Luiz Antoni and Dexgod. Admission is $15-$18. 

Founders Danny Fantom, Jafet Muzic and K'Nen started SCR in 2020 to "legitimize their efforts under a united front." Fantom says that “Worcester is often overlooked as a suitable marketplace” for music, and wants to change that narrative. Fantom would like to see more genuine promoters who believe in Worcester as a creative hub. 

"Our music is grounded in self preservation and self love," says Muzic. "Hoping to inspire those who listen to a path of improvement. Real music for the everyday human being working hard to make ends meet while finding true purpose. Growth is goal." 

Wright says he makes ”music for the soul, based on pure emotion.” In his latest project, “I Might Need Therapy,” he talks about his personal journey of getting through “being alone and mentally lost,” which is something many people can relate to. He has been able to use these experiences to “help give people who might not understand that feeling  insight.” He’s been able to turn these things into a “muse” for his music. He emphasizes that “it’s OK to be a person” in an industry where many live through a persona. 

"The purpose of these shows for us is simple," says Muzic. "For one, to really connect with our fanbase and those getting to meet us for the first time. Nothing is better than getting those reactions and being able to connect on a personal level."

Wright says the city is “competitive” and insists that if artists worked together and supported each other more, the scene would get more attention. It's a sentiment with which Muzic agrees.

"The message behind the movement, for the most part," says Muzic, "is being true to self and finding ways to affect the community in a positive manner."