It was the closest thing possible to a hip-hop healing ceremony. Industrysuperstars and little-known, underground rappers came together Tuesday night at New York's Brownies' Night Club | in support of Poetic, a member of the Gravediggaz, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in April.
The benefit's line-up, which included acts such as the RZA, Poor RighteousTeachers, Heltah Skeltah, the Deadly Venoms, Non-Phixion, Native Trinity,Dark Theory and Wu-Tang's R&B songstress Tekitha, wasn't nearly asimpressive as the overflow of emotion shown for Poetic, also known asAnthony Berkeley.
"We're all coming together tonight to do all there is within our power tohelp Poetic resurrect himself, both mentally and physically," said fellowGravediggaz Fruitkwan.
Poetic, who underwent surgery in April and is planning to start chemotherapynext month, was grateful for the benefit. "I want people to know that thissupport is much appreciated," he said. "I'm trying now to put myself in aposition where I can work and give back to the community in the form ofmusic and records."
Poetic's medical bills are more than $4000 a month. And, like most musiciansand artists, he doesn't have health care. The Life Goes On Foundation wasstarted in honor of Poetic to help musicians and artistswithout health care. For more information about donating to or supportingthe Life Goes On Foundation, write meridian@planetmeridian.com.- KristinCleary