Toronto native hip-hop artist JB, looking dapper in a grey Hugo Boss suit and Alberto Guardiani shoes, makes his way across the main floor of The Capitol Event Theatre to speak to the press. JB is hosting Poetic Fashion -- a hip-hop infused fashion show featuring youth from Toronto's 13 priority neighbourhoods. The Kid Famous, Wolf J, Jaydahmann and two-time MMVA nominated JB headline the show.

"We chose JB... because he has lived in the 13 priority neighbourhoods...," explains Amiga Taylor, producer of Poetic Fashion. "The crowd would be able to relate to him and we'd be able to use his experiences and his voice as a mentor to the youth to see that you can come from this and become this."

People arrive and make their way in and around the theatre. Seats surround the runway right back to the bar filled with crystal glasses and refreshments -- no alcohol though. The attention to detail is apparent in all facets, including the lighting. The booths furthest to the back of the space include The New Flow 93.5 and Sketch participants Trivius and Ozzy. The two showcase their T-shirt designs, CDs of artists that have recorded at Sketch and a clothing line created by one of the night's performers JD Keyz.
"We're here to support the community," Hung, a member of Team Flow says. "Flow is really into helping out all artists doing their thing. We like to go out and show our support and we like to see young talent coming up in the city and we represent the city."

Kidd Menace, a 20-year-old aspiring rapper out of Jane and Finch, is first up discussing the positive initiatives taking place in his community. "I heard he's planning to take away all of the guns even if you have a license / He's leaving you defenceless so you can't rise / You're stuck on the benches," he spit over his brother Ninja's production with his mother in the audience.

Then singer and rapper Wolf J, Artist of the Week twice at Lion's Gate's "Roc Da Mic", took over the stage happy for the opportunity.
"The third night of 88 Days of Fortune we met Amiga Taylor and she was like you have to come through...," Wolf J recounts. "It really is breaking down a lot of barriers because I wouldn't have met a lot of these guys had I not been here tonight."

Atop the VIP balcony Chris "Got Rocks" Jackson, JB's manager, says, "Tonight's event is about bridging the gaps and bringing a lot of people in different areas together to showcase their talent. Build those bridges and knock down those barriers. It's not all about my community or your community. It's us as a whole, us as a people and us as a music industry."



Later Kid Famous explodes onto the stage and goes into performing "Ain't No Use". His two-step is on point as he sways behind the models on the runway. It's a well-received performance. 

Jaydahmann storms out on stage next and dives into his "Mick Swagga Anthem" track. Green lasers flash behind him as he testifies to the fact that he'd do anything to shield all this hurt, anything to prolong his time on this earth.

The moment arrives for JB to close the evening. He performs "Good in the Hood". Literature For Life and Poetic Fashion Founder, Jo Altilia, and the show's assistant producer, Dahlia Ellis Eagle join him on stage in gratitude to everyone who came and supported the event.

As everyone heads out a voice yells out, "And remember we all have a voice."

Words by. Sanjay Misra + Photos by. Karla Smith-Brown