SZA and Willow Smith "Turn That Sh*t Up," in Brooklyn!

(Photo Credit whycauseican.com)

On July 15, 2014, several artists took the stage at the Afro-Punk Kickoff, at the Rough Trade in Brooklyn, New York. There were many fans raging with anxiety to witness live performances by artists such as Englewood New Jersey’s own Cakes Da Killa, Pop duo Denitia and Sene, Mykkia Blanco collaborator Princess Nokia, and HO9909. The energy from the performers were definitely reciprocated into the multi-cultural crowd of roughly over 1,000 energetic music lovers.  The connection between the artists and the crowd, was undeniably amazing. While these are the majority of the names mentioned, an unexpected name was revealed during the steady flow of the concert! 14 year old Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkest-Smith, entered the stage to surprise the crowd with an unreleased collaborative track with SZA! The unexpected duet between the two, was filled with so much compassion and soul. They both admired one another’s vocals as they took the stage. In the beginning of the sultry single entitled “Domino,” Willow’s mic appeared to sound a little toned down, directing whomever was in charge of the sound to “Turn That Sh*t Up,” but SZA took the initiative to hand over her mic and let Willow take full control of the stage. As the two extremely talented artists harmonized with one another, the crowd cheered them on in amazement of the surprise that had risen before their ears. It was as if Willow had became whole again, and was one with her music as she performed, and SZA felt her energy. Together, they did an amazing job. Towards the end of their performance, SZA commemorated Willow’s such "raw" talent, and also dropped a hint of a soon to be collaboration between the two. The “whip your hair” phenomena has let the world know that she definitely has more in store for her music career, and is prepared to share it with the world. Freedom, peace, simplicity and positive vibes are what seemed to be given within every artist that took their place on that stage on the evening of July 15, 2014. This concert really gave you a glimpse of what to look forward to in the up and coming Afro-Punk Festival, taking place on August 23rd and 24th, it’s needless to say that all of the artists definitely “Turnt That Sh*t Up”, including the sound man. 

Click here to watch the performance.

by:: Alexis J. Robinson
Twitter:: @theywant_boosie

edited by:: Dana Pelotta (Editor In Chief/Blog Owner)