The Prolegend Movement Took it Home at Endo Exo

There is a cliche in writing, usually used in reference to some great event or performance that goes, 'you could feel the energy in the room/building/fill in the blank'. 

Like any writer, I like to think of myself as original and not prone to the use of worn-out phrases such as this.  However, I can honestly think of no better way to describe The Prolegend Movement's performance at Endo Exo this past Thursday.  You could truly feel the energy in the place.  You may have listened to their mixtape or some of their songs online, but to see them perform in person is to truly understand the talent that they possess as well as the dedication and commitment that they have to their craft as well as to their audience. 

In addition to MassPro, LankDizzim, J.Co and Laf Legend, reggae artist Mosiah Jones and singers Blondee and Lyric Raines were onstage doing their thing as well.  Mosiah (in the center of the photo wearing white-trimmed shades) sings the hook to "Ayo Teaser" on the Black Diamondz  mixtape and the live performance of the track was a real crowd pleaser.  But that shouldn't come as a surprise to those of us who grew up in Duval during the Cool Runnings era.  We love our reggae in 904!  Blondee, looking stunning in a yellow dress, sang her heart out on the hook to "Take Me Home (One Too Many)" and Lyric Raines left no doubt that The Prolegend Movement is out to "Get it Everyday".  And when they broke out with "Last Call Wasted", some people got so excited that I thought they were going to hurt themselves!

Ironically, I think that the success of their performance and their ability to connect with the crowd was best measured by the reaction of the supporters of other groups.  The cool thing about Endo Exo is that they pay the independent artists to perform, based on the number of supporters that they bring in.  So when a new group hits the stage, those supporters come to the front and make sure that they rep hard for the performers.  I had to smile to myself when I saw other groups supporters begrudgingly nodding and giving silent props to The Prolegend Movement.  They easily had the most hyped and polished performance of the night.  Watching them take control of the stage, they gave you the impression that they could be performing in someone's backyard and would still go at it just as hard.  For them, its about the music first, something that I wish I could say about every artist out there. 

If you missed the performance, then you really did miss out on a great night.  However, there will be many more opportunities to see The Prolegend Movement in person.  They will be performing again on June 16 at Endo Exo as part of the second annual Tupac Birthday Tribute and will also be a part of the upcoming 80's Throwback Party.  I will be covering both events in upcoming blogs so be sure to stay tuned.  In the meantime, check them out on Facebook, Myspace and Twitter, and be sure to listen to Black Diamondz.  We have to support our local artists because there is a lot of talent here in Duval that could really put 904 on the map, but it starts with determined artists like The Prolegend Movement and continues with dedicated fans.  Come be a part of the movement.