Double rap attack from New York on Uprising: Onyx & Mad Lion!
Uprising celebrates its 18th birthday this year, and the rap community has a great reason to celebrate too! This year, the legends of the New York hip-hop scene, Onyx, authors of iconic tracks such as “Slam” or “Last Dayz”, will perform at Golden Sands, along with the icon of ragga hip-hop Mad Lion, who combined Jamaican groove with hard NYC rap. The festival will bring a unique combination of classic boom-bap, raw street style and reggae energy. This explosive line-up is a dream come true for all lovers of hard rap, raw lyrics and the unmistakable energy of the 90s.
ONYX – street manifesto
The group Onyx was formed in the early 90s in the New York neighborhood of South Jamaica, Queens. Members Sticky Fingaz and Fredro Starr are synonymous with an aggressive style that stood out from the crowd at the time of their birth, thanks to raw energy, raspy voices and uncompromising lyrics. Their debut album Bacdafucup (1993) caused a literal explosion – and the hit “Slam” became the anthem of an entire generation. Songs like “Last Dayz” and “Shut ‘Em Down” capture the reality of the streets with a toughness and authenticity that rap at the time was only just beginning to discover. Onyx never adapted to commercial trends, instead remaining true to the underground and their explosive concert energy. Their live performances are legendary, wild, unpredictable, full of sweat, mosh pit and the voice of the street. The Slovak audience will experience the true, unadulterated New York rap school right under the open sky of the Uprising Festival.
MAD LION – Jamaican blood in New York beat
Along with Onyx, Mad Lion will also perform, bringing a completely different, but equally strong element. This Jamaican-American “raggamuffin-rapper” is a pioneer in combining dancehall with a hard hip-hop beat. His hits like “Take It Easy” and “Shoot to Kill” have become an indelible part of the golden fund of the 90s rap scene. Mad Lion is known for his charisma, original vocal expression and ability to pump up any crowd. His show combines Jamaican roots with the rough sound of the concrete jungle of New York.
The union of two titans on one stage
The fact that Onyx and Mad Lion meet on one stage is the rap event of the year. Two different styles, but the same energy, passion and respect for hip-hop culture. Their joint performance at Uprising will be not only a concert for the Slovak audience, but also an authentic return to the era when rap had sharp edges and spoke the truth.
