From 1997 to 2004, the 502 Headz ran, from Louisville, the premiere hip hop party and music crew in the region. On Friday, September 30, that culture of music, dance and art will be revived for one night only at Phoenix Hill Tavern. High Hat Entertainment presents “Return of the 502 Headz.”
Live performances include C-Rayz Walz, Code Red, Daredevilz, G Huff & Vice Souletric Beats, Nacirema, Mr. Goodbar, Caotic, Frequency, Donnie McFly and Father Jah. DJs on the bill include Tech 12 Assassins, Dwight Johnson, Capt. Kirk, DJ Q (B96), Erratic, Bill Jones and YngSteve.
The Universal Zulu Nation will be represented by the Tomahawk Zulu Chapter of Indiana. The IllVille B-Boy crew from Nashville are attending. Eddie Santiago will be creating live graffiti on the Skywalk. There will be several rooms of entertainment featuring ciphers, open mic opportunities, and a raffle of items from local vendors and artists. The night will be filmed by a California-based documentary producer.
502 Headz was founded by Mike "El One" Kabel (aka Element One Wise) while stationed at Fort Knox, KY. Charter members of 502 Headz include Michael "Mad Mixxa" Curtis and Josh "Coda Commanda" Rowlette. Originally a hip hop party series featuring the best DJs, MCs, B-Boys, and graffiti writers in the region, 502 Headz morphed into a super crew, and eventually a record label. The parties featured some of the hottest names in hip hop early in their careers, including Atmosphere, Royce the 5'9", Blueprint, J.U.I.C.E, DJ Kool, and Mr. Dibbs. The 502 Headz record label featured the flagship act Code Red along with Spitzophrenics, Crash, and Play Havoc; the most notable release was Code Red's 2002 release "Since Forever..'Til Forever" feat. Masta Ace, Skillz, C Razy Walz, J.U.I.C.E, DJ Avee, Gradmanster Caz, and Prince Whipper Whip. Almost as popular as the parties was the 502 Headz Message board. With over 100,000 registered members, 502 Headz was the first spot any self-respecting Hip Hop head who was going to be in the city checked to see what was poppin' in the Ville. Nothing like it has existed since.
Phoenix Hill Tavern is at 644 Baxter Avenue in Louisville, KY. The show is 21+ only, and tickets are $10 at the door.
For more information, including press comps, interviews, photos and vintage video footage, please contact: Deborah Brosseau, Spinner PR, 323.467.7633 or brosseaupr@aol.com.
