Legendary hip-hop M.C. Doug E. Fresh kicked off the festival Friday afternoon at the Jazz in the Gardens press conference, where he addressed the current state of hip-hop, and opened up about working with the White House and first lady Michelle Obama on the Partnership for a Healthier America Summit.
The 47-year-old rapper also delivered an impromptu beatboxing performance all about the Obamas.
On Saturday, comedian D.L. Hughley entertained the thousands packed into Sun Life Stadium while introducing festival headliners Boney James, Mint Condition, Kelly Roland, Trey Songz and Jamie Foxx.
Eighty-seven-year-old actor and civil rights icon Harry Belafonte and funnyman Kevin Hart also attended last night’s festivities.
Hughley spoke to theGrio about the impact of Jazz in Gardens in the midst of battles over South Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” laws and in the aftermath of the highly publicized Trayvon Martin trial.
“I think the state of Florida has the reputation of being a place that that isn’t very friendly to people who are of color or people who are poor,” Hughley said. “So I think it’s nice to see those kind of people all together and having a good time. I think nothing tells a story like music and I think it’s nice to see everyone together and showing that we all want to the same things.”
Credits: Korey Davis
