New Video: Recap of Manifesto 2011 (5 Year Anniversary)

I let my self down last year, by not making it out for any of these events at the five year anniversary of the Manifesto festival in Toronto. That's why I'm making it my personal mission to attend many of the amazing events that will be taking place this year.

Born out of the idea of allowing the city’s young and emerging artists to showcase their talent on a bigger platform with a unified voice, The Manifesto Festival of Community and Culture celebrated its 5 year anniversary in 2011, from September 15th-25th in Toronto Canada.

The festival has grown over the past 5 years and we have something very unique and special planned for 2012. While you are here, let’s take a journey down memory lane and check out Manifesto Festival Recaps from year 1-4.

Drake Holds First October's Very Own (OVO) Festival In Toronto

Straight up, you have no idea how much I regret not going! Drizzy Drake came back home to Toronto in style, inviting special guests Jay-Z & Eminem out during his headlining performance.

Not to mention bringing out fellow Toronto rap veteran, Kardinal Offishal. All those hip hop heavy weights on one stage, including Young Jeezy and who can forget the host Drake. Now, that's the type of music fesitval you only get to see once in a life time.

Drake's "Thank Me Later" Album Reaches Platinum Status, OVO Festival

That makes two rap music/hip hop albums that have reached platinum status (over 1+million records sold). It's a good year for hip hop!

Also, Drake is putting on his "October's Very Own" (OVO) festival in Toronto on August 1st at the Molson Amplitheatre. This festival will feature a headlining performance by Drake. Other popular performers contributing to the festival include: Bun B, Young Jeezy and Francis & Lights as well as many other performers who are to be announced as the show gets closer.

"I truly believe this is entertainment at a level that the city has never seen before," Drake said in a statement. "I'm hoping that it is a safe and magical night and that OVO Festival becomes tradition every year."

The event will take place all day, mean while the 43rd annual Caribana Toronto Festival, a two-week celebration of Caribbean culture in Canada, will also be taking place the same day.

So, will I be seeing any of you at Caribana or at the OVO festival this year?

Iconic Hip Hop Artists & Group Set To Rock The Bells With Classic Albums

Guerilla Union recently released the roster of rappers that will perform live at this year’s Rock The Bells festival. Legendary hip hop artists KRS-One, Rakim, Slick Rick and the Wu-Tang Clan have all signed on to headline the annual Rock The Bells tour.

Performing their classic albums "Criminal Minded" (KRS-One), "Paid In Full" (Rakim) and "The Great Adventures of Slick Rick" (Slick Rick), these iconic hip hop performers will also hit the stage with hip hop's most influential and international group the Wu-Tang Clan who will perform their debut album "Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers".

Also performing in the festival, supporting acts include: Clipse, Murs, 9th Wonder, Immortal Technique, Jedi Mind Tricks, DJ Muggs with Ill Bill and many more.

"Our goal is to always present something that is historic. This year’s show is the epitome of that tradition.”

There will also be a Freestyle Session and B-Boy performances live at the festival. The 2010 Rock the Bells festival will launch on August 21st in California.

For more information, full list of performers and venues, please check out:
www.rockthebells.net.

Urban World Film Festival

HBO and Black Entertainment Television (BET) networks present...

The 13th annual Urban World Film Festival. This festival highlites films which tailor to the worldwide urban film market as well as feature soundtracks that are primarily hip hop and R&B. The film fesitval will begin September 23rd and run through the 27th in the beautiful New York City.

BlackPlanet.com is also presenting a "spoof this contest", where contestant can submit in their own movie spoofs for a chance to win a $1,500 cash prize as well as two VIP all access passes to the festival.

Currently in the movie circuit, big crowds of celebrities and fans alike are gathering at the 34th annual Toronto International Film Festival which starts Friday September 10th and will end September 19th.

How is this relevant to rap music business ? Everything ! If you are trying to get your songs placed in the movies, these festivals are the perfect opportunity for artists and manager to connect with music supervisors who choose which songs are placed in movies. Hit up a film festival near you to make these valuable network connections.