Juice Cathedral's Doors Open For The Garden State

After months of executive planning, countless late nights, and a flood of social media posts, the team at Moxie 1973 finally opened the doors to Juice Cathedral on April 1, 2017. This was the grand finale, the moment of truth, the moment to make a difference in the community, and represent hip hop in a way that hasn’t been seen before.  

The hip hop exhibition featured roughly around 26 artists, dj’s, collectives, and musicians both male and female with their own intricate style as well as unique personality; hence why they were picked for the exhibition. Everyone that performed, put on a show. Everyone that had art to present, told a story. Everyone that had their own brand to sell, showed their hustle. This event had every element of hip hop thoroughly executed to the best of any possible ability.

Talent included Moruf, Eni, Rkhty, DJ Shy, DJ Midnite, Cuplife, Trapdan & Friends, Jayhype, and so much more. Artists included Mr. DT, and photography from Sir Moore of Care More and Abib Ascencio who took a different spin on the culture through their platforms. Vendors included LDYBY, Stay Low and Build, O’Lala Empanadas, and many more ranging all in different types of businesses. This was a much needed cultural event and the turnout was extremely rewarding.

The state of New Jersey has had a special place in hip hop due to the fact that many artists and entrepreneurs that people look up to today were born and raised there. Naughty by Nature, Karen Civil, Queen Latifah; these are monumental beings who have made major moves in the industry and continue to do so. For any artist that performed on the Juice Cathedral stage, that’s the mentality in which they had; they wanted to do something that was for them and left an inspiring memory in the audience's mind.

Even though this was an extremely fun event, there was a profound purpose. This was the perfect platform to promote your own platform, your brand, your name. It was a beat filled networking event that opened doors for anyone in attendance. Besides the talent and the vendors, there was an entire section dedicated to the press. The journalists and the podcast personalities were all over the vicinity interviewing talent and getting the proper exposure they needed. These were all up and coming podcasts and programs, but they needed an event like this to get their name out to the public. How did you first hear about your favorite rapper? Besides from the obvious answer, a song, there had to be a small blurb of an article written that intrigued you. This is why the press’ presence was needed at the cathedral; this was an event for any hardworking man or woman who didn’t only love hip hop, but loved their craft, whatever it may be. Moxie 1973 gave anyone there a chance to be who they wanted to be.

Throughout the day hip hop music danced all through the cathedral and had attendees always bopping their heads or rapping along. The Manolo Mike and Get Dirty Dance Session had the crowd going crazy with their intense energy and ongoing dance moves. They engaged with the crowd and got everyone moving. I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I saw an actual dance team perform at a space; Juice has done things that the community hasn’t seen in a very long time. The dj’s were on point from beginning to end. With playing the current hot tracks that we all have on repeat to playing throwback tracks that took us back in time, the vibes were perfect the entire day.

You felt hip hop at the cathedral; it was all around us. There was an infectious feeling of togetherness that I think everyone in attendance experienced. To have people walk up to the staff and say “this was an amazing event”, or “I can’t wait till the next one” is all the members of Moxie wanted. The Juice Hip Hop Exhibition was the proper prologue to what is about to come next, and it was only right to start at the Juice Cathedral. 

Hip-Hop is the religion. Rap is the gospel. Juice is the church.

Credits

Written by Rakiya George

Shot & Edited by Juan Roque 

Shot by Anthony Long

Photos by Ase Stone

Photos by Dani B. 

Edited by Juels Pierrot