The Sixth Annual Organic Hip Hop Artist Showcase

Every year, the Organic Hip Hop Conference rallies conscious troops from all over the continent and beyond for a weekend of fighting for better communities through activism, vegetarianism, and music. Sponsored by nonprofit organization Difference Makers and Urban America newspaper, the 2009 edition will kick off this Friday with a keynote address and meatless banquet at Liberty City's African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. The list of past speakers is illustrious, including hip-hop legends Brother J of X-Clan, Professor Griff, and KRS-One. And this year's guest of honor — the cofounder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, Adisa Banjoko — is an undoubtedly worthy alumnus.

Saturday night, the conference will return for an artist showcase featuring some of South Florida's most forward-thinking hip-hoppers. Headlined by Miami's own "Empress of Hip-Hop," Soulflower, with turntable support from Brimstone127, the show will also include MCs La Guardia, Lox Tha Rippa, Coppa Stone, Emoni Love, Haiti Blues, and Sekajipo. Plus poets the Sol Griots, Kimani Kenyatta, and the Write Side Poets will jam the mike while the Sasa African Theatre and the Heart Breakerz B-Girl Crew invade the dance floor. Best of all, it's a family affair, so bring your mother, bring your babies, bring everybody.