Security guards waited patiently outside Delaware Live in Price’s Corner to pat kids down and check ID before they made it to Friday night’s affordable alternative to unhealthy decisions.
Curated by Wilmington-native MC Blu Chip, 38, the show, featuring several local hip hop artists, was meant to inspire kids to have fun in a safe, healthy way.
“I’m older, so I’m trying to show them this is how you get ahead,” MC Blu Chip said. “I feel good about this energy, this peaceful energy…. It’s good to have everyone supporting each other.”
Teens lined the building while they waited for local artists Kur, Jet Phynx, 43rd Spanx and Lil Torin to take the mic. Family and friends of the musicians gathered to enjoy a fun show that supports a cause they can relate to.
“It’s right on time. It’s all over the land, it’s time for a community to come together for the youth,” David Corston, Blu Chip’s father, said. “With proper guidance, they can learn something out of the violence.”
While some gathered to see their favorite artists, especially the headliner, up-and-coming Kur, others came out to support each other in the movement against violence in their community.
“It’s a positive message to many,” performer Tareek Havik, 17, said. “Too many are dropping like flies, so it’s nice to have a positive moment.”
MC Blu Chip partnered with Jet Phynx to start Solid Collective. The two worked to market the event on social media, especially Instagram, to draw a younger crowd and make it clear that solving violence in their own community starts with them making healthy choices.
The target age of the audience was 13 to 17, but MC Blu Chip was quick to ensure people of all ages were invited to the $10 show.
“I just wanted to get out,” Marcasia Williams, 16, said. “This is my first concert.”
Williams was joined by her 14-year-old sister, Ta’Nasia Williams.
“My parents were like, ‘That would be good if you went to something nonviolent,’” Ta’Nasia said. The sisters giggled together over how excited they were to see one of their favorite artists, Kur.
Instead of kids flocking to drab and dangerous parties, MC Blu Chip hoped to give people a fun – and safe – place to be Friday night.
Yonnie Mcfly, 28, came out to support Jet Phynx, and she was not the only young adult in the mix of teens. People of all ages made their way in to be a part of the scene.
“I think [the violence] is terrible,” Mcfly said. “If people would concern themselves with fellow human beings, they’d see that everyone has the same problems.”
Solid Collective’s show was the first of many, MC Blu Chip said. The brand, centered around music with the message of non-violence, is meant to promote positive decisions while staying relevant to what kids really enjoy.
Contact Greta Iverson at (302) 324-2771, giverson@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @greta_wade.
Greta Iverson 