From L to R: Stone Mecca, Coalhouse (Viz) Walker, Flower Child, Robski, Rah Digga, Jonathan “Fatz” Dangerfield | pic by IG @russelinmotion_media
Final Fridays is the brain child of Johnathan “Fatz” Dangerfield and Coalhouse “Viz” Walker who have had their hands on the industry in one way or the other as performing artists, a DJ, and powerhouse promoters as well for many moons (I’d say how long, but I don’t know the exact number).
I have been attending Final Fridays for about 4 years now, maybe more. One of the reasons why I chose that first picture is because of how indicative it is of how Dallas DOES come together, how we DO support one another despite popular belief. Is there some division among the hip hop communities in the DFW, well, yes – also, there are these stories that need to be told of chosen family coming together three or four times a year to support rising stars and hip hop main stays as well.
I hit the stage in March of 2018 at Three Links in Deep Ellum where the A-Teem (Fatz & Viz) have been hosting Final Fridays for the last few years. Of course I ripped it (lmao), besides that, I was just humbled to have the opportunity to be on the stage. If you know, you know – we revere this event because being there, every time, is an actual family reunion. I am guaranteed to recharge because Hugs, on Hugs, on Hugs ya heard me?
Singers, emcees, songwriters, producers, DJ’s, videographers, photographers, filmmakers, Dallas based and national celebrities may fill the proverbial entertainment resumes of people you will run into at Final Fridays, the TYPE of people they are inside of this building, in this environment are beams of positive, vibrant energy. Every.Single.Time…a super high frequency based on love and support. You have to experience it.
Alright, so, bouncing back to the last Final Fridays of the decade, I wanted to dig further into the notion that Dallas is a breeding ground of creativity and talent and we often show up for one another. Case in point, several of the Villa Koola Media crew who also represent PVO brand creator and Hip Hop extraordinaire Colby Savage ( http://thepvolife.com ) was in the building. They run their own multi-media powerhouse for radio, marketing/branding, music, and they, like Galaxy 9 Productions (the company for which I manage events) are also prominent promoters. The point, is that they were there – supporting! I’m really about this We Are Family life.
Another highlight of my night worth pointing out was a short conversation I had with these two rising artists, @Itsme_air & @hippie.snooks. From left to right, Air (a performing artist) and the other young lady I am unsure of her name. So I’m walking by and in true Russ (photographer and master networker Russellinmotion Media) fashion, he stopped me to introduce me to the ladies. They were super sweet and asked me about my experience opening for Ginuwine at House of Blues last week and I will tell you – it made my heart beam with joy to be able to share the experience and to see the excitement on their faces. I could tell that they knew they were in the right place with some great folks they should know and I was happy to connect with them; I live for moments like these. I can’t express enough how often I have moments that I will treasure for life because of the legacy that has been created with Final Fridays.