Shirley JuThe OC Block Party might be Orange County’s biggest block party yet! Taking place on Saturday, November 23 at the Santa Ana Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana, this one-day festival features all the hottest names in hip-hop, from headliner Ice Cube, The Dogg Pound, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Suga Free, Kid Frost, Zapp, Lisa Lisa and more.
With summer 2019 behind us, we’re ready to take on fall like never before. This block party takes place right before the holidays, in perfect timing for everyone in the spirit of celebrating. With all ages welcome, this family-friendly function will feature festival rides, food vendors, fully stocked bars, merch vendors, and of course, live performances for all music-lovers.
The all-day event begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m., as locals and out-of-towners converge for one day of full-blown hip-hop. To prepare for the show, Irvine Weekly has compiled a Top 8 playlist for all the artists on the bill. Listen below!
1. Ice Cube: “Today Was A Good Day”
Arguably one of Ice Cube’s greatest songs to date, “Today Was A Good Day” will definitely be one festival-goers look forward to. The actual phrase “today was a good day” in Cube’s voice ignites instant nostalgia, as fans are reminded of the good days and living life to the fullest. With this block party taking place in Orange County, locals will celebrate and thank the West Coast spitter for such a feel-good anthem.
2. Zapp: “Computer Love”
Time to get funky! Zapp brings us all the way back to the 1970s, when disco, funk, R&B and soul were in their prime. “Computer Love” in itself automatically brings great energy and vibes, a record that’s been sampled multiple times over in the music game by some of the greats. In addition, the Dayton, Ohio, band were best known for trademarking their use of the talk-box effect.
3. Lisa Lisa: “Head To Toe”
Lisa Lisa is another classic name on the bill. Comprised of vocalist Lisa Lisa, guitarist Spanador and drummer/keyboardist Mike Hughes, Lisa and her band Cult Jam became one of the first freestyle music group to come out of New York in the ’80s. Call it pop, call it rock, call it R&B, every record brings a certain aesthetic that will get you grooving on the dance floor.
4. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony: “Crossroads”
“Meet me at the Crossroads!” This song is just one of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s timeless hit records. The hip-hop group consisting of rappers Bizzy Bone, Wish Bone, Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone and Flesh-n-Bone exploded onto the scene in 1993, when Eazy-E signed them to his Ruthless Records. “Crossroads,” originally a tribute to the late West Coast rapper, went on to win a Grammy in 1997.
5. Suga Free: “If U Stay Ready”
Suga Free is a legend in his own right. Aside from him being an ex-pimp, the Gardena-raised rapper is a huge name in West Coast hip-hop as a whole. His biggest work to-date includes his debut album Street Gospel in 1997, collaborating with another West Coast legend, DJ Quik. The project went on to peak at #37 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Honestly, any records of his will bring you all the way back.
6. Kid Frost: “La Raza”
Kid Frost is a Los Angeles legend. Putting on for the Latin community, the 55-year-old has been in the game for decades. Ten years ago, he unleashed his single “La Raza,” which currently has over 12.5 million views on YouTube alone. Translating to “The Race” in English, this record will put you in a good mood no matter where you are. Get on the dance floor and get moving!
7. JJ Fad: “Supersonic”
One time for the females! Hailing from Rialto, California, JJ Fad is an American female hip-hop group putting on for their city in the Inland Empire, east of Los Angeles. The name was originally given as an acronym of the original group members’ names, but once members shifted it became Just Jammin’ Fresh and Def. “Supersonic” will have you guys grooving on the dance floor!
8. Mellow Man Ace: “Mentirosa”
A few seconds into “Mentirosa,” and you’ll immediately recognize this timeless hit. Aside from the number of records that have sampled this joint, it’s Mellow Man Ace’s presence as a Cuban-American rapper that audiences can’t help but gravitate toward. Fluent in both Spanish and English, it’s his novelty delivery and rhymes that pushed his name to the mainstream light in music.
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