Video Streetwatch TV
Episode Five

Despite proclamations to the contrary, hip-hop is alive and well. Though the popular airwaves may be dominated by lowest common denominator subject matter, kindergarten-level lyricism, and ringtone-ready beats, there is whole other world of DIY rap artists, who strive to make quality music regardless of current industry trends. And that's exactly what we saw down in Atlanta at the A3C Independent Hip-Hop Festival, a three-day event that featured over 30 acts from across the country, converging on what is arguably the epicenter of commercial rap in 2007.

Team Streetwatch was in full effect, chopping it up with emcees, DJs, and producers, going to all the shows, and filming the best of the best to share with the world. In this special ATL edition, we present short but sweet performances from Def Jux rabblerousers Hangar 18, Detroit's critically acclaimed beatmaker/mic toucher Black Milk, extra-hype Jacksonville squad The AB's, and Los Angeles based treacherous three Giant Panda.

We also get a dope music video from Prophetix, a soon-to-blow trio that includes MP3.com Artist of the Year Eddie Meeks, fellow emcee Mello Melanin, and producer/DJ Jon Doe. They didn't perform at the festival, but these guys are top notch Atlanta representatives who have been rocking stages and studios for many years.

Wrapping things up, we get an explosive set from The Bay's own mighty mighty Souls of Mischief, who closed out the show on Saturday night. Anybody who's up on hip-hop knows these guys always rock the spot, and they do not disappoint here, sending the packed house into a frenzy with their signature anthem "'93 Til Infinity."

Enjoy the show!