Los Angeles-The BET Experience Fan Fest returned once again to the Los Angeles Convention Center at L.A. LIVE, Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2015.
The Fan Fest provided activities and events that the entire family could enjoy and be engage. Thousands of fans walked away with a smile on their face, a song in their heart and lots of swag from the sponsors.
DJ Mal-Ski held down the controls on the ones and twos as everyone gathered for a day of top notch entertainment provided on three lively stages. AT&T Live was all the live. Some incredible, nimble dancers showed off some great dance moves between live acts. Dytto stood out as a solo dancer.
The crowd and I were kickin’ it on the comfortable lounge chairs and sofas while being thoroughly entertained by singer Kayla Brianna aided by Elijah on guitar.
Coca-Cola Flava Zone Powered by BET.com was hosted by Chris Bivins and Cynthia LuCiette. Jasmine V and Treasure Davis were tearing it up for their many fans swaying in the crowd.
DJ Carisma and DJ Amen got the crowd all worked up for the next segment of the program. The vibe was dope during the L.A. to the Bay segment of the BET Experience. A plethora of hip-hop artists/rappers were showering the crowd with rhymes and rhythms on the BETX Stage. Nef the Pharoah led this portion of the show with some original tunes. Next up was IAMSU! Kept the rhymes flowing on “Don’t Stop; Go Crazy,” “Show Me What You Got,” and “Gas that Up” (Slow Down Baby).
Vince Staples held the crowd in his hands during his brief moment in the spotlight. Casey Veggies teamed up with IAMSU! for “Backflip.” If that wasn’t enough, Too $hort and Cypress Hill each played a set of classic old school tunes that rocked the BET Experience.
I was glad to slow down and take a break during the BETX Discussion Genius Talks, presented by AT&T. Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu is two beautiful, smart and sharp singers/songwriters. They represented during a discussion entitled Free to Be that was moderated by Combat Jack.
The crowd was excited with anticipation of the next two discussions. Legendary rapper Doug E. Fresh interviewed Floyd Mayweather as he talked about his family, the fight versus Manny Pacquiao, his training routine as well as his upcoming last fight of his career on September 12th to a yet to be name opponent.
A standing room only crowd greeted Kobe Bryant, interviewed by Jemele Hill entitled Kobe Unplugged. Ms. Hill kept the dialogue flowing while Kobe was candid in answering the various questions posed to him. Kobe stated that “he was coming into his own as a NBA player in the year 2000” that same year that he was coached by Phil Jackson. Kobe stepped up his game and took it to a new dimension. Kobe went on to say “he studied and learned from two NBA legends Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan” to the question of when did he realize in himself a sense of greatness?
Kobe explained “failure doesn’t exist if a person can learn, grow and evolve/build up on failure” as oppose to being defeated by it. The answer that everyone wanted to hear was Kobe’s plans beyond his NBA career (retirement). Kobe stated “a definite answer would be forthcoming after the upcoming NBA season” June 2016. Kobe dropped a hint that he likes storytelling. My question, does this mean that there is an autobiography in the works? Possibly, a series of Children’s books?
I returned on Sunday, June 28 for the final day of the BET Experience Fan Fest. The crowd and I were into “Groovin’ on a Sunday afternoon” to the sounds provided by Lecrae, Andy Mineo, Dee-1 and Audio Push.
The BETX Stage segment El Barrio spiced it up with a good measure of picante sounds served buffet style by DJ Buddah, MLKMN, Snow Tha Product, Los Rakas and Poeta Callejero.
My enjoyment of the BET Experience Fan Fest 2015 concluded with an exciting adventure to the Caribbean islands. BETX Presents Carnival a set of infectious and contagious danceable rhythms courtesy of Kreesha Turner, Gyptian, Mr. Vegas and Machel Montano.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected]
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