Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones Ignite Taste of Soul L.A.’s Record-Breaking Block Party over 500,000 attendees with an Electrifying Performance
The heart of Los Angeles pulsed with music, culture, and unity during the recent Taste of Soul L.A., the city’s most eagerly awaited block party. Crenshaw and Obama’s iconic streets in Los Angeles became the epicenter of a remarkable musical experience as Christian rap icon Emcee N.I.C.E. and gospel pioneer Canton Jones graced the stage at the 102.3 Radio Free KJLH Delete the Divide event. With an astonishing over 500,000 attendees, this year’s celebration set a historic attendance record.
On October 21, 2023, Taste of Soul L.A. unfolded across multiple blocks along Crenshaw Boulevard. Known for its ability to bring diverse communities together, the event offered a rich mosaic of music, art, food, and cultural experiences. This year’s gathering not only maintained but also raised the bar for unity and inspiration through music.
( A Taste of Soul LA 2023)
Emcee N.I.C.E., a chart-topping Christian and hip-hop luminary, and Canton Jones, a dynamic force in gospel and hip-hop, took to the stage, delivering an unforgettable performance. Their act was a captivating blend of faith, hip hop, gospel, and feel-good vibes that had the audience grooving.
Emcee N.I.C.E. shared his thoughts, saying, “The love and energy from the nearly 500,000 people at Taste of Soul L.A. truly humble me. Music has a unique power to transcend boundaries, and the unity we experienced that day is testament to that. I want to express my gratitude to Stevie Wonder, Chris Malone, Aundrae Russell, Guy Black, and the 102.3 Radio Free KJLH family for having us. It was a pleasure to reconnect with Tiffany Haddish, an old friend. We share a history, and I’m proud of her resilience. She’s also part of my cartoon ‘Da Jammies.’ Moreover, sharing the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, Johnny Gill, Major, and October London was surreal.”
Canton Jones added, “Being on stage with my brother Emcee N.I.C.E. was a tremendous honor. Participating in an event that celebrates culture, diversity, and the power of Kingdom music was a privilege. Our style of Gospel is inclusive, meant for everyone, and I’m thrilled that we could bring people together as one big family.”
( Left to Right : Canton Jones, Tiffany Haddish, Emcee N.I.C.E. )
The day before Taste of Soul, Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones both received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Hidden Gemz Egypt Ufele Bullychasers Inc. The award was signed by President Joseph R. Biden, and the ceremony took place in Marina Del Rey, California.
Emcee N.I.C.E. also received a letter of recognition from Mayor Emma Shariff, the current Mayor of the City of Compton. She was among the dignitaries present at Taste of Soul, alongside elected officials, community leaders, and business executives such as U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, L.A. Councilwoman Heather Hunt, and L.A. Councilmember Curren Price. Notable guests also included Dr. Ben Chavis, the president/CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association; Alberto Carvalho, LAUSD superintendent; and retired Congresswoman and Ambassador Diane Watson.
The dynamic performances by Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones featured special appearances by Shari Demby-Ravell, known as L.A.’s Princess of Worship, and Romona Jones, Canton’s wife. The show mirrored the event’s theme of unity and hope, inspiring and connecting individuals from all walks of life with a powerful message of faith, harmony, and community.
Taste of Soul L.A. continues to be a transformative experience for Los Angeles, and this year’s event stands as a milestone. With an astounding 500,000 attendees and unforgettable performances by Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones, Taste of Soul L.A. solidified its reputation as a grand-scale celebration of music, culture, and unity.
