Reef Hugs It Out at the River

In times when tensions across America are running high over a variety of issues, Reef the Lost Cauze‘s performance last week at Spruce Street Harbor Park was the perfect prescription for what ails us.

The Delaware Waterfront’s Spruce Street Harbor Park is doing a live, local music series every Thursday this summer called the Waterfront Sessions. Last Thursday, local rapper/hip-hop legend Reef the Lost Cauze performed in support of his new jawn, Furious Styles. While the performance was classic Reef, which if you haven’t seen it doesn’t get much better, it was also much more than just a musical performance.

Reef’s performance transcended music. It was about love and community in trying times. For one song, Reef invited all MCs in the crowd to come up on stage and share the mic. It was a moment of selflessness, sharing the spotlight with any and all who wanted to grab the mic. MCs of all ages and races took to the stage for a bit of freestyle.

Then, in between songs, Reef offered up an admittedly unusual request at a rap concert or any concert for that matter. He asked the diverse crowd of a couple hundred people to turn to the strangers on their left and right, tell them their names, and hug or shake hands.

On cue, the crowd began hugging total strangers. It was a beautiful moment to be a part of. I was too busy hugging to capture any photos of the hugs. However, this was an experience that felt like everyone was craving one giant hug and Reef just happened to have perfect timing.

Just another great moment in Jawnville.  Check out a clip of Reef’s performance below.