Hip-Hop takes center stage for night 3 of Ottawa Bluesfest

Rain was in the forecast, once again, for night 3 of Ottawa Bluesfest as hip hop took over the RBC Stage while Mt. Joy drew a solid crowd on the River Stage.

A surprisingly small crowd, the smallest so far for this year’s Ottawa Bluesfest, came out for hip-hop royalty last night. The night started with a few of Ottawa’s own: the incredible Lynne Hanson opened up the SXM Stage, City Fidelia on the RBC Stage, while Hopper kicked things off on the River Stage. Mother Nature made another return visit last night with a brief shower early in the evening but, once again, the severe storms avoided the venue allowing all events to proceed as scheduled.

Although having been a fan of rap back in the 80s I, admittedly, have struggled to get into modern rap. With that said the schedule for this night just wasn’t a big draw for me.

I didn’t make as many rounds as I normally would’ve thanks to a minor foot injury that’s been plaguing me the last few nights but I can tell you that the crowd at the main stage was noticeably smaller than the previous two nights. Having recently covered Snoop Dogg at Canadian Tire Centre where he performed in front of a similarly small crowd it makes me wonder if hip-hop just isn’t a big draw in Ottawa…or maybe it was the weather. Either way the crowd that was there was loving every second of the show which is more than I can say about the previous night which had large crowds but they just didn’t seem to be as invested.

Rap and hip hop have long had a stigma that they’re all gangsters or involved in the drug scene, while that may be true for a select few some use their talent and celebrity to speak directly to and, often, help influence and inspire those impacted by addiction to find hope and recovery. This is one thing that stood out to me during Killer Mike’s set. Addiction is a horrible thing and we need more celebrities shining a spotlight on this illness and helping those who are struggling. I, for one, hope that his performance on Saturday can help save even one person.

Mt. Joy has always received a lot of buzz when they pass through the area but I’ve never had an opportunity to catch them live. I made a point to check them out last night and no question they were a positive draw. The hill by the River Stage was packed and in front of the stage the crowd extended all the way to the Museum entrance. I would think that with a showing like that they’ll be main stage contenders for a future visit.

While passing through the War Museum enroute to the River Stage I caught part of Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers in the Barney Danson Theatre…probably the most interesting act I’ve seen in years. The act revolves around Dwayne Rubin and his accordion…which isn’t something you see every day. The group performed an earlier set on the SXM Stage.

Definitely the most anticipated hip hop event of this years Ottawa Bluesfest, 50 Cent, brought quite the production with him. From lighting to smoke and even pyro he definitely set the bar for other artists from that genre. As i mentioned I’m not a huge fan of hip hop but I can respect a good stage show and he definitely brought that. Can’t forget to give Fiddy a Birthday shoutout, he turned 49 yesterday and celebrated it on stage at Ottawa Bluesfest. I know what it’s like to celebrate a birthday at Ottawa Bluesfest with mine falling on July 14th it’s almost an annual event for me (with the exception of this year because I turn 50 and am finally throwing my own party).  No doubt Fiddy had a great party, being able to perform your music in front of your fans is a gift in itself.

The party continues tonight with headliners Maroon 5 on the main stage so expecting big crowds and sunshine!

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