These kids got SKILLZ!!  Catch the oh so soulful and spoken word poweress, Sun aka the realSUN and some seriously talented youth from the Jane strip as they hold it down with T.Dot heavy hitters and community instigators Saidah Baba Talibah, Rich Kidd, DJ L’Oquence.  Tomorrow, 52 McCaul: 3:30-6:30 and oh yes, rice and peas will be in full effect at this catered and family friendly event.

The official PRESS RELEASE:

Jane-Finch youth Reach 4 the Sky:
The Real Sun Music Video Launch, hosted by Saidah Baba Talibah & Rich Kidd

Toronto, January 12, 2010 – Jane-Finch resident artist, sun a.k.a. The Real Sun and Lost Lyrics: an Alternative Education Through Hip-Hop Program based in Toronto, present the video launch of “Reach 4 the Sky”. The music video for the first track off sun’s debut album “sun:RISE”, features youth from Jane-Finch and Malvern, and will be launched on January 30, 2010. The elaborate release party will re-create the music video’s block party scene, featuring all four elements of Hip-Hop (DJ, Emceeing, Graffiti, B-Boying), educational style.

Lost Lyrics, which engages youth from Toronto’s Priority Neighborhoods, including Jane-Finch and Malvern, is an alternative educational program, which uses Hip Hop culture as a base to understanding self-identity and the complexities surrounding young individuals in stigmatized communities. sun a.k.a. The Real Sun, the Korean-Canadian poet, rapper, singer, visual artist, wrote and recorded “Reach 4 the Sky”, the first single off of her debut album “sun:RISE”, in collaboration with youth from the Lost Lyrics Program in Jane-Finch. “I came in as a community guest facilitator for the Lost Lyrics program to teach the kids how to rap, but then I fell in love with them and never left! ‘Reach 4 the Sky’ is a product of the beautiful and empowering relationship that formed between myself, the youth, and Lost Lyrics.” – sun a.k.a. The Real Sun

Producer/Rapper Rich Kidd and singer-song writer Saidah Baba Talibah, are hosting the event, officially kicking off their duties as part of the new recruits of Lost Lyrics Program Staff. They will be taking post as Artistic Development facilitators for the program, working with sun a.k.a The Real Sun, who will be the Director of Artistic Development this year. “Lost Lyrics is a place where young people can get a sense of self and how important their voices and opinions on world and community issues are to the growth and healing of the world on a whole. And the beautiful thing about this program is it teaches that you can use music to your truest emotions about what’s going on around you in a safe and supportive environment.” – Saidah Baba Talibah

The event will be a fusion of youth-performances, an open house for community members to get informed about Lost Lyrics, an opportunity to learn elements of Hip-Hop hands-on from the masters, the very first day of Lost Lyrics’ Artistic Development Classes for the youth, and of course, the world premiere of the “Reach 4 the Sky” Music Video! Refreshments will be served.

Hip-Hop Education Stations will be open for youth, community members, and media, to come and learn hands-on the four elements of Hip-Hop, taught by skilled international professionals in each respective craft. This will be a sample of the kinds of activities the youth will be engaging in during Lost Lyrics’ Artistic Development Classes in the months to come.

DJing – DJ L’Oquenz (Canada)
B-Boying – J-Rebel (Supernaturalz Crew – Canada), B-Girl Red (Korea), Rodri Breaker (Argentina)
Graffiti – Funktion Gallery (Canada)
Rap – Presented through live performances by Lost Lyrics youth, and sun a.k.a The Real Sun (Canada/Korea)

Check out behind the scenes “Reach 4 the Sky” Music Video Shoot:

EVENT: The Real Sun & Lost Lyrics Presents: “Reach 4 the Sky” Music Video Launch
Hosted by Saidah Baba Talibah & Rich Kidd, featuring youth from Jane-Finch and Malvern

WHEN: January 30, 2009, 3:30pm-6:30pm
ADMISSION: pay-what-you-can ($10+ gets suns’ album RISE or Lost Lyrics DVD, $15+ gets both)
VENUE: 52 McCaul, Toronto, ON.

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sun a.k.a. The Real Sun is a poet, singer/songwriter, and visual artist that expresses her soul through the arts. Originally born in Korea, sun is a strong advocate for balance, healing and humanitarianism. As a multi-talented and all-round artist, sun crafts and expresses her thoughts, dreams and emotions through words, voice, piano, guitar, and canvas.
For more information: www.therealsun.com
For media inquires, please contact

press@therealsun.com
647 262 5836