Words by LargeUp Crew, Photos by Martei Korley—
To call Chronixx’s arrival in New York much anticipated would be an understatement. The singer—named the “Artist to Watch” for 2013 by LargeUp in January— is reggae’s most hotly tipped new artist, with much of that hype coming from NYC. For his first venture into the city, Chronixx made two stops, starting with SOBs in Manhattan on Tuesday. But, arguably, the true test of his mettle came Saturday, as he made his Brooklyn debut, at East Flatbush’s Pulse 48.
The final stop on Chronixx’s 2013 East Coast tour, Pulse 48,was packed to the gills; as showtime neared, the anticipation had become visibly palpable. Federation Sound, LargeUp’s own DJ Gravy and Orijahnal Vibez (who was also the promoter behind the show) warmed up the crowd with musical selections, repping their monthly downtown party Rice and Peas, while MCs Micro Don and Steve Austin hyped things up. Trini selector Nyabinghi also got the crowd ready, with some heavy roots vibes as the venue filled up.
The heavy rainfall and significant winds experienced Saturday night might have curbed a Brooklyn reggae crowd in most instances, but the borough was out in full force, ready to greet the new youth bringing much-needed energy back to reggae’s roots. And bringing it back to the roots is just what he and the Zinc Fence Redemption Band, performing a two-hour set following opener Kelissa, complete with thematic intros that brought added drama to each song.
Click here to scroll through the photo gallery from Saturday night’s show.
And, for more on Chronixx read LargeUp’s Q+A with the 2013 Artist to Watch, and the feature story from the new issue of The Fader, written and shot by LargeUp’s Jesse Serwer and Martei Korley, respectively.