GZA rocked the house with Pro Tools and Liquid Swords at the Sound Academy on January 25th, 2010.

Despite a deep set of opening acts and the usual mild mannered Toronto crowd GZA, rocked the Sound Academy. Opening for GZA (and what a difficult task that must have been!!!) were The WILDcore, Skratch Bastid, and Shing Shing Regime.

The WILDcore started the evening and were an interesting mix of live instruments, some DJing and MC’s. Glad that they were not the horrible rap metal of the 90’s. They seemed to blend break beats and mixed them with interesting pop/rock/even pop punk edginess.

Skratch Bastid‘s set was an impressive showcase of turntablism. Like a good DJ he stirred the ground and built up the momentum.

Shing Shing Regime held their own. I’m sure these guys will continue to make Ontario proud with solid Hip Hop.

Of course the headliner came correct. MC Gary Grice aka The Genius aka The GZA… Delivered, period…

Today is last day of the Manifesto Festival. The main event, runs noon till 10pm. A free concert at Nathan Phillips Square. The highlight of the festival so far was Friday night’s Chapter III art show. AMAZING. Three floors of music and art. Great pieces by Elicsor, Fathom and Chor Boogie. If you miss out on today’s show be sure to at least head back to 52 McCaul before or during Nuit Blanche.

The Manifesto Festival – Main Event
Nathan Phillips Square
noon till 10pm
Featuring Talib Kweli & HiTek,
Grand Analog and many others.