Hip hop legend Grandmaster Flash threw a joyous dance party in McCarren Park last night, with hundreds of people turning out to hear the pioneering producer and DJ scratch and spin for more than 90 minutes as part of the Northside Festival.
Most of those in attendance weren't even born when Grandmaster Flash—who was then teamed with the Furious Five—released The Message, the first rap song credited with having a social message and the one which introduced the genre to a much larger audience than previous house jams. No matter though, as everyone young and old had a blast moving to the (mostly) classic beats during to the rapid-fire set.
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Grandmaster Smashes Brooklyn 1000s party HARD with Flash this was BIGgggg
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It was the second night in a row of free shows in the Williamsburg park courtesy of Northside, which hosted an even bigger (though much less dance-y) crowd on Thursday night to see the recently reunited Montreal band Wolf Parade. And the outdoor party continues all weekend, with benefit concerts—meaning you have to pay—featuring Conor Oberst and Kacey Musgraves on Saturday, and Brian Wilson performing Pet Sounds on Sunday.
