Well, it’s finally happened—the hype has worn down, and I’m now able to truly digest everything that went down just over a week ago at the State Theatre: The Crush Congregation Beat Battle 2024.

When I say, “I planned all year for this event!” there’s no exaggeration in that statement. After the first CCBB at the State Theatre, the response was overwhelming: “When’s the next one?” While I was thrilled to see such interest in an event I never thought possible, I was hesitant to jump into the next one. The first event was no easy task to throw, and after that experience, I found myself wondering: Can I create an even better beat battle?

The Challenge of a Bigger, Better Beat Battle

After discussing with the team, it became clear that we were going to give it our best shot—no backing out now. We had some big shoes to fill. There were so many takeaways from the first show that worked so well: Shawn Johnson (Old Soul Brother) created a killer intro video, DJ Fresh blessed the crowd, the cassette compilation was solid, and Ghost Bot’s beat station in the lobby set the tone as people walked in. But could we maintain that energy while building upon the experience without simply replicating it?

Performance vs. Competition: A New Twist

There were also discussions about the performance aspect. “The beat makers are just standing there on stage while their beat is being played? Can we add dancers, or make it more of a live performance?” These were valid points. So, we decided to change things up this year: not only would the beat makers create their beats using sample packs for their one-minute rounds, but if they made it to the finals, they’d have to perform live for 5 minutes, using their own gear. This added a new level of challenge and excitement. Many beat makers don’t typically perform their beats live, so the live aspect was definitely a curveball. But we were all in.

Keeping What Worked

While we knew we had to change things up, there were some key elements from last year that we absolutely wanted to keep. Shawn Johnson’s intro video had to stay, so I immediately reached out to him. As always, he delivered beyond expectations. I sent him the audio, and less than two weeks later, we had the updated intro video. He stayed true to the original concept while adding his own spin. He also created the Crush Skull Loop video that played onscreen while the beat makers showcased their beats.

I had a long list of artists I wanted to bring to Modesto. One guy that is a talent I wanted to reintroduce to Modesto was Weezmatic. He’s been a DJ, beat maker, and turntablist for over 20 years, and I had been a fan long before we ever met. It was time to bring him back to Modesto, and thankfully, he agreed. Weezmatic’s performance was exactly what the crowd needed, and I was thrilled to finally reintroduce him to our hometown.

Collaborations That Made It All Happen

Creating a music compilation might sound like an easy task to some, but if you ask Ghost Bot Bum, he might tell you otherwise. Last year, I asked him if he would handle the compilation for the show, and he did so effortlessly. He surprised me by turning it into a cassette compilation—way cool. This year, the same idea, great artwork, and another solid release. I can’t thank you enough, Bumski. And to all the beat makers who contributed, another piece of history documented.

This time around, I wanted to let the buzz build organically. I didn’t secure as many beat makers via email outreach the way I did last year. Instead, we created a submission form that beat makers had to fill out to be considered for the battle. I pushed the call-out on Instagram, Facebook, and email, and the response was overwhelming. We hit our 16 beat makers in less than a month. The excitement from last year had clearly carried over.

I knew early on that I wanted Angela Drew to perform one of my favorite poems of hers, “The Circle.” This poem resonates with anyone who has truly grown up in Hip Hop culture. It also highlights key historical moments that define the foundation and roots of the music, art, dance, and lifestyle we cherish. Her presentation was flawless.

Last year, after the beat battle, I had a conversation with my friend and artist Lonnie Contreras Menchaca about creating a Crush Skull logo installation to be displayed at the next beat battle. He agreed that it could be done, and we planned to discuss it further later. As the event date approached, Lonnie reached out to me with the first teaser of the installation: an almost 6-foot-tall Crush Skull! I was immediately excited about its reveal, but the size of the piece turned out to be too large for the stage. So, as many of you walked into the lobby, you were greeted by this giant Crush Skull. The photos I’ve been tagged in and sent over the last week have been incredible. Mission accomplished! Thank you, Lonnie!

The Energy in the Room

One of my favorite moments of the event was the energy the beat makers brought to the stage. Many of them were dancing or moving in sync with their beats, adding layers of performance to their music. ChefSt, in particular, utilized the whole stage, while TOONWRLD had the crowd hyped up with his energy. The beat makers were so in tune with their tracks that their stage presence became an integral part of their rounds.

The crowd was fully engaged too. There was some serious feedback when Bennett Vickery lost in the first round, and we almost lost the whole crowd. But that’s exactly the kind of passion we wanted—an interactive, dedicated crowd that’s invested in the battle. There was something special happening between the beat makers and the audience, and the judges felt that responsibility too.

Zeps, our host, kept the energy high throughout the night with his freestyle raps and crowd engagement. As I moved around the room, focused on my tasks and greeting friends and family, I was overwhelmed with joy. This was what we had worked so hard for.

The Team Behind the Scenes

There were so many people behind the scenes who helped make this event a success. The Modesto Artists Movement team—Sam, Mike, Ryan, and I, along with the many ambassadors and board members—were absolutely critical to making this event happen. MAM has been a driving force in supporting the arts here in Modesto, and I couldn’t have done any of this without them. Special thanks to Eric, Casey, and Nico, who helped with the heavy lifting and organizational setup on the day of the event.

I also want to thank our sponsors—Collins Electric, Paradigm Construction, Mike and Midge, Apparel Graphics, and surprise sponsor BumpBoxx. Your support helped elevate this event and made it all possible.

And of course our Revibe The Vibe Team, Livic, Imax, and Enock!

Serendipity and Surprises

A few moments were so serendipitous, they seemed almost too perfect to be planned. One of our beat makers, Don (DoomDaWiz), reached out to me with an unexpected opportunity: “Would you like to promote the beat battle on the news?” I had no idea Don worked for a news station when I chose him to compete, so this was a huge surprise. Don connected us with Mark S. Allen of ABC News 10, and we were able to promote the event live on air. It was a game-changer and helped get the word out to a wider audience. Thanks, Don!

Another surprise came when Chris Murphy helped promote the CCBB on Kat Country. Chris has been supporting Modesto artists for years, and I’m so grateful for his continued backing.

And lastly, a huge thank you to MilkCrates and Microphones Podcast, who not only covered the event but also served as judges. Their involvement added so much to the show.

The Victory

Before I wrap up, I want to say a huge congratulations to Cesar Barajas (TOONWRLD) for taking home the first-place victory at the Crush Congregation Beat Battle 2024! You earned it.

Thanks to everyone who made this event possible—our artists, supporters, team members, and sponsors. This was an experience I will cherish for a lifetime, and I’m already looking forward to what’s next.

Stay tuned, Modesto! The best is yet to come.

Check Out the Promo Reel Below By: Jacob True

Giving Thanks: Reflecting on Crush Congregation Beat Battle 2024

I MISS Camp

Modesto Artists Movement