Cadence Weapon / People’s Republic

Hillside’s unique workshops often team up disparate musicians and beg them to improvise together without preparation. In this case, two of the weekend’s strongest MCs traded mesmerising verses from new and existing songs in their respective catalogues over varied beats. Former Warsawpack leader Lee Raback was the underdog here, leading People’s Republic through a string of provocative, politically charged rhymes before handing the mic off. "We jammin’,” Cadence Weapon joked, a good-natured jab at the hokiness of it all. Mr. Weapon is a force of nature, a charismatic performer and a wondrous wordsmith who shone brightly all weekend.