The City of Oakland — the one rarely seen on TV or read about in newspapers— was on display Saturday, August 14, when the FreshFest brought six hours of peaceful vibes, conscious hip-hop, and eco-sustainability to Mosswood Park. "We wanted to bring the FreshFest to Oakland, because not only does it have a history of community organizing and independent hip-hop, but more importantly, it's the home of an underserved community, left out of the mainstream green movement, who can benefit most from sustainable green practices," said event organizer Zakiya Harris. "Also, Oakland is hella fresh," she added.


On Saturday, the Park was alive once again with the sound of music — most of it from local hip-hop acts (with the notable exception of the legendary Phife of A Tribe Called Quest, who closed the show). Billed acts included Erk Da Jerk, Holly Saucy, Nu Dekades and Do D.A.T., yet hosts Boots Riley and Ryan Nicole, DJs Twelvz and Pam the Funkstress, and a cavalcade of up-and-coming and lesser-known groups—including Seasunz, O-Zone and J. Millionaire, the Culture Keeperz, and G4G's Youth Champions — kept the energy level high all afternoon long, ensuring there weren't any dull moments.


Surprises included an impromptu performance by the Coup, an outpouring of ATCQ classics by last-minute headliner Phife, and an unannounced freestyle by 2009 G4G headliner Mistah F.A.B., who shouted out every neighborhood in Oakland and emphasized the importance of remaining accountable to one's community.

But FreshFest wasn't just an ordinary free hip-hop festival. Designed with the specific purpose of bringing green awareness and eco-sustainability to the urban audience, it featured local organizations such as Green For All, Soul of the City, Oakland Green Youth Media Arts Center , Oakland Local, BayLocalize, and Richmond Spokes, who informed Oaklanders on how to green their lives and be more involved on a community level. The Community Rejuvenation Project painted live art illustrating the "toxic triangle" of Richmond, Bayview-Hunters Point, and West Oakland," while attendees received information on everything from rainwater-catchment systems to community gardens to bicycling as a way to reduce pollution. One booth even offered solar-powered smoothies.


The event not only ended peacefully — proving that it is possible to host a positive hip-hop event in Oakland — but delivered both authentic and conscious hip-hop flavor, often with a green component. "We're declaring this a win for Oakland , but also for hip-hop as a culture, and green hip-hop as a movement," Harris said. "We will definitely be back next year."


In the meantime, check the G4G website, www.GrindFortheGreen.com for photo galleries, video clips, audio snippets and updates on green hip-hop events.