Two-decade-old Jersey Fresh Jam hip-hop festival continues to ring tunes in Trenton, commemorating its anniversary.
The Jersey Fresh Jam festival, a renowned hip-hop event, is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Aug. 16 at TerraCycle Way, Trenton, NJ 08638. This free event, founded by Trenton-based muralist Leon Rainbow, honours the four foundational elements of hip-hop: graffiti, breakdancing, MCing, and DJing.
Leon Rainbow conceived the festival while working with a hip-hop crew in Philadelphia, and established it in New Jersey's capital city when TerraCycle moved its headquarters there. Over the years, the festival has evolved, incorporating new themes, engaging additional artists, and expanding its community outreach programs.
This year, the event has a focus on the youth, with breakdancing being one of the biggest draws. Festival organisers have reached out to two local breakers with decades of experience and will fly in a third judge from Houston, Texas, to critique the competition. Rick "Rick the Ruler" Camilo, the coordinator and host for the breakdancing battle at this year's Jersey Fresh Jam festival, emphasises the event's role in helping breakdancers establish a name in the breaking community.
The building's exterior will be adorned with large-scale murals created by aerosol artists from across the country. Graffiti artists from the West Coast and Philadelphia will also contribute to the vibrant visual art display. Additionally, different artists are redesigning each letter in the TerraCycle logo on the building's exterior as a tribute to the host site.
The festival annually attracts over a thousand attendees for an eclectic blend of live music, visual art, dance, and community pride. Guest DJs Tony Touch, Lord Finesse, and DJ Priority will perform at the event. FlyKickz, an artist known for upcycling sneakers to create art on canvas and for her philanthropy, will also be present.
FlyKickz, a vendor at Jersey Fresh Jams for 13 years, attributes the festival's ability to connect with the community as a key factor in her growth and success. The event is partnering with independent journalists across New Jersey to spotlight the people, communities, cultures, and distinctive places that shape the Garden State. This work is made possible with support from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
Jersey Fresh Jam is a nonprofit organisation that relies on financial support from readers for its fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Leon Rainbow, founder of Jersey Fresh Jam, has published a book commemorating the festival's history, featuring photos of various murals created over the years. The book can be purchased by sending a direct message to him on his Instagram.
Hip-hop, born in the early '70s, has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry that has influenced various aspects of society, from fashion to politics. The Jersey Fresh Jam festival reflects this rich history and continues to contribute to the cultural expression and community building in Trenton, New Jersey.
- Leon Rainbow, the founder of Jersey Fresh Jam, has expanded the festival to include a diverse range of entertainment, such as home-and-garden exhibits and music performances, in addition to its hip-hop origins, making it a celebration of various aspects of lifestyle and culture.
- At the Jersey Fresh Jam festival, music lovers can enjoy live performances from renowned artists like Tony Touch, Lord Finesse, and DJ Priority, creating a unique blend of music genres that encapsulates the evolution of the industry and its influence on contemporary pop culture.
