BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at Brower Park

Johnny Osbourne is a legendary reggae and dancehall singer known for his smooth voice, conscious lyrics, and lasting influence on the genre. In the late 1970s he rose to prominence with the critically acclaimed album Truths and Rights, which became a reggae classic. He was a key figure during the transition from roots reggae to the early digital dancehall era and is respected for his versatility and longevity. Nicknamed “Mr. Buddy Bye,” Osbourne remains active today, performing at international festivals and recording dubplates for sound systems around the world, cementing his legacy as one of reggae’s most enduring voices.

Smif-N-Wessun, the Brooklyn-born duo of Tek and Steele, made their debut in 1993 on Black Moon’s Enta Da Stage, delivering a raw, rugged sound that helped lay the groundwork for the iconic Boot Camp Clik collective. Hailing from Brownsville and Bed-Stuy, they brought streetwise lyricism and an unmistakable presence, famously renaming their borough “Bucktown” with their breakout single.

Their 1995 debut, Dah Shinin’, produced entirely by Da Beatminerz, is hailed as a cornerstone of hardcore East Coast hip-hop and was recognized in The Source's “100 Best Rap Albums.” After a legal clash with the Smith & Wesson firearms company, the duo reemerged as Cocoa Brovaz and released The Rude Awakening in 1998.

Reclaiming the Smif-N-Wessun name in 2005, they released Reloaded, followed by The Album (2007), and the Pete Rock-produced Monumental (2011). They explored reggae-infused sounds on the Born and Raised EP (2013), and returned in 2019 with The ALL, a powerful collaboration with 9th Wonder & The Soul Council.

In 2025, Smif-N-Wessun reaffirmed their legacy with Infinity, their eighth studio album—a bold testament to their longevity and continued influence in hip-hop culture.

Chip-Fu, a lyrical architect and member of the iconic 90s Brooklyn Hip-Hop trio Fu-Schnickens, is renowned for his unique fusion of Hip-Hop and Caribbean music. With a career marked by groundbreaking hits like "What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock)" featuring Shaquille O'Neal, Chip-Fu has cemented his legacy as a pioneer of the genre. Chip-Fu's dedication to maintaining the raw essence of Hip-Hop has earned him a loyal fan base and the respect of industry legends like Pete Rock, Busta Rhymes, Rapsody, and more. Now, he continues to innovate with an upcoming, yet-to-be-announced project that showcases his lyrical mastery and artistic depth—one that promises to be a true reckoning in Hip-Hop.

Bush Babees are an influential Hip-Hop group originating from the culturally rich borough of Brooklyn, New York. Renowned for their innovative fusion of hip-hop, reggae, and diverse cultural influences, the group made a significant impact with their debut album, Ambushed, which featured thought-provoking lyrics and genre-blending production. Their music not only entertains but also speaks to important social and cultural issues.

Ayanna Heaven is a Jamaican DJ and radio producer based in Brooklyn, NY. She’s the founder of Good Ting, a platform dedicated to highlighting and celebrating Jamaican music. You can catch her monthly on Sounds of Heaven on The Lot Radio, and bi-weekly spinning soul and funk on WKCR’s long-running Across 110th Street program. Her sets flow seamlessly through reggae, afrobeat, hip-hop, dancehall, house, jazz, and funk—reflecting both her deep passion for music and the richness of her diverse background.

GabSoul, also known as "the ILLustrious Eclectic Selecta," is a first-generation Caribbean-American DJ and multi-hyphenate who has carved a unique space for herself with a dynamic fusion of soulful and danceable sounds, specializing in Black music across the diaspora. Born and raised in the vibrant melting pot of New York City, her musical journey reflects the rich tapestry of her heritage and the diverse influences of her upbringing. Known across the country for her captivating stage presence, GabSoul creates unforgettable sets that effortlessly blend timeless classics with contemporary hits and everything in between.