Veteran Freshman 3 @ The TLA.

Text by Sofiya Ballin. Images by Samantha Sade.

“Ready to see a good ass show tonight?” Veteran Freshman 3 host Cory Townes asked the crowd at the TLA last Saturday.

And the crowd clapped, cheered and yelled.

Yusuf “Yuie” Muhammad watched from backstage, his phone glued to his right hand. The Veteran Freshman Concert Series was conceived last year on Muhammad’s couch in his dorm room. The name is purposely an oxymoron: Veteran Freshman showcasing what will be fresh faces to many but in reality are veterans in Philly music.

“DJ Drama once said, ‘In Philly there’s so much talent but not enough platforms,’” said Muhammad, a 26-year-old filmmaker and freelance photographer. “Dosage performed with Lupe but never headlined in his own city! I provide the platform.”

Rapper Pharaoh started off, hyping up the crowd and ending with freestyles over four different beats. The Great Outdoors, a group of friends ranging from ages 16-20 who used to rap together in Rittenhouse Square, came out next.

“It’s awesome!” said The Great Outdoors’ producer/rapper Hazzah (left). “I mean, look at us, this is our first show!”

South Philly MC Chris Vance followed, letting his lyricism stand on it’s own. Ace Porter lady killed his way into the crowd’s favor. Then MC and vocalist Lee Mekhai, towering in six-inch heels, bounced and dipped across the stage.

“I murder the stage and make ya’ll an accessory!” proclaimed Mekhai (left, below).

Well, damn.

Chase Allen combined rock and hip-hop, hyping up the crowd with the song “Outstanding.” Khemist entered while rapping with intensity, exuding the vitality of his craft yelling, “Hip-hop saved my life!”

WyldLyfe hit the stage with a mosaic of members and instruments, including bongos, flutes and a harmonica. He ended with the eclectic “Jungle,” featuring Khemist. Mic Stew, the king of cadence, got on stage and made everyone bounce to every word.

“I’m gonna be honest,” admitted Stew (bottom image). “This is the biggest venue I’ve ever tried to rap in and it’s not easy.”

Dosage (top image) and DJ Ferno closed out the show.

“Last summer, Ferno and I were at Ishkabibbles across the street,” the 21 year-old Philly Dosage said. “I was telling him that I wanted to headline the TLA. I’m at a loss for words. I never take it in until afterwards.”

His banner dropped, a projector descended and dozens of hands twisted into 3-D position on the screen.

“Dosage does it big yo!” Ferno said.

“All fucking night Ferno!” Dosage responded.

“AWWHH yeah!” Ferno answered.

Dosage’s niece, who had been rapping every word, was brought on stage. Dosage’s mother watched with pride from the front row.

“I think it’s time to show the people who I am!” he yelled to the crowd.

With more than 800 people in attendance and diverse high energy performances, Veteran Freshman 3 proved to be a major success.

Muhammad has plans to one day have Veteran Freshman take over all of South Street for a week, and create a clothing line around the brand. This is merely the beginning.

“I’m already planning the next one for August,” Muhammad said. “This is only 20 percent of what I actually want to do.”