Matthew Levinson

Digging basslines deep in the block

Published on 15/10/06
by matt

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That’s WIRE MC rocking the mic at the Reggae Block Party in Redfern this afternoon.

Arriving on the Block was intense. Eveleigh St’s this whole other world. I studied around the corner at Sydney University, and lived, also around the corner, on Wilson St. It’s always been a no-go area. I walked past often, but imagination painted it with these dark shadows and malevolent faces. It’s no worse than most Kooris probably experience every day, but it’s strange to feel that fear.

Walking in to the The Resurrectors was welcoming. Throbbing dub and booming vocals filled up the street, kids kicked a football down one side, people wobbled by clutching bagged up bottles and the crowd began to take shape down the bottom of the street. As we got closer faces appeared out of the crowd, loads of friends, and good vibes all round. Next up WIRE MC took requests from his mum (down the front left) and hit a line somewhere between angry militance and soulful warmth – again, just right. Apparently Fat Freddy’s Drop and Basslines Crew played too, I missed them.

As the Firehouse crew took the decks I reflected it’s the Future Classic crew behind the whole jam. I don’t know what’s in it for them, but whatever the inspiration, the Reggae Block Party was a brilliant afternoon. Anything that opens up the Block and breaks down the stupid racist boundaries in this city is worth big praise.

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