The first two artists set to perform at Birmingham’s Freedom Fest on July 27 were announced Wednesday afternoon.
Those artists are 8ball and MJG, two southern rap artists. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin first announced the two rappers in a tweet Wednesday afternoon.
“On July 27, we’re gonna be On Top of the World! I’m thrilled to announce that Southern rap legends 8ball & MJG (@pimptypemjg & @DAREAL_8ball) will be performing at this year’s #FreedomFestBhm. Visit http://FreedomFestbhm.com to get tickets today. #SpaceAgePimpin #CominOutHard," Woodfin said in the tweet.
The two rappers have often acted as a Southern hip-hop duo, but have also released solo albums.
“Born Premro Smith, 8Ball grew up in the Orange Mound area of Memphis, Tennessee, where he met MJG at Ridgeway Junior High School in 1984. The two shared a passion for hip-hop, which hadn’t yet made a strong impact in the South, and formed their own rap duo, 8Ball & MJG. They made their recording debut in 1991 with a three-track single, Listen to the Lyrics, released on cassette and 12” vinyl by On the Strength Records, an independent label," part of 8ball’s bio on Spotify reads.
Other speakers and artists have not been announced.
Birmingham Freedom Fest, referred to as a “music and empowerment festival” will be held in and around Kelly Ingram Park on July 27. A portion of proceeds from the festival will help support the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument.
There will be workshops and forums on equality and civic engagement issues as well as musical performances. The lineup of speakers and acts has not been announced. Event organizers say the lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets will cost $33.50.
