PRESS RELEASE: As first covered by Hype Magazine

Los Angeles, CA – October 30, 2023  – In a historic celebration of music, culture, and unity, the streets of Los Angeles came alive at the recent Taste of Soul L.A., the city’s largest and most anticipated block party. The iconic streets of Crenshaw and Obama in Los Angeles witnessed an extraordinary musical phenomenon as Christian rap luminary Emcee N.I.C.E. and gospel trailblazer Canton Jones took center stage on the 102.3 Radio Free KJLH Delete the Divide stage opening with prayer and then setting the tone and delivering an electrifying performance that got the crowd ready for the day. With an astonishing 500,000 attendees, the event proved to be a momentous occasion.

The highly anticipated event took place on October 21st, 2023, spanning several blocks along Crenshaw Boulevard. Taste of Soul L.A. is renowned for bringing together diverse communities and offering a rich tapestry of music, art, food, and cultural experiences. This year’s event set a new attendance record, making it a historic gathering that truly showcased the power of music to unite and uplift.

Emcee N.I.C.E., a chart-topping Christian and hip-hop legend, and Canton Jones, a dynamic and influential force and legendary in gospel and hip-hop music, opened up the main stage and lived up to the anticipation. Their performances were a mesmerizing fusion of faith, hip-hop, gospel, and that feel-good energy that had some of the crowd dancing.

“I’m truly humbled by the love and energy we felt from the nearly 500,000 people who joined us at Taste of Soul L.A.,” said Emcee N.I.C.E. “Music has an incredible ability to transcend barriers, and I believe it was evident in the unity we all experienced that day. Thank You to Stevie Wonder, Chris Malone, Aundrae Russell, Guy Black, and the 102.3 Radio Free KJLH family for having us. It was also great to catch up with my sis Tiffany Haddish. We go way back, and I am so proud of her perseverance. She’s in my cartoon Da Jammies, man, then to share the stage with the Legendary Stevie Wonder, Johnny Gill, Major, October London was surreal.”

Canton Jones added, “It was an incredible honor to share the stage with my bro Emcee N.I.C.E. and to be a part of this incredible event that celebrates culture, diversity, and the power of Kingdom music. Our brand of Gospel is not just for gospel; it’s for everybody, and I am glad that we were able to come together as one big family.”

The day before TOS both Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award Presented by Hidden Gemz Egypt Ufele Bullychasers Inc Dr. Reba & Vz Washington signed by the President of the United States, Joesph R. Biden in Marina Del Rey, California.

Emcee N.I.C.E. also received a letter of recognition from Mayor Emma Shariff, current Mayor for the City of Compton who was also in attendance at the Taste of Soul with 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 Hutt, and L.A. Councilmember Curren Price.  Other notable guests included Dr. Ben Chavis, president/CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association; Alberto Carvalho, LAUSD superintendent; and retired Congresswoman and Ambassador Diane Watson.

The dynamic performances of Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones were also joined on stage by Shari Demby-Ravell L.A.’s Princess of Worship and Romona Jones, Canton’s wife. The show echoed the event’s theme of unity and hope. Their music inspired, motivated, and connected people from all walks of life, sending a powerful message of faith, harmony and community.

Taste of Soul L.A. continues to be a remarkable and transformative experience for the city of Los Angeles, and this year’s event will be remembered as a milestone. With 500,000 attendees and unforgettable performances by Emcee N.I.C.E. and Canton Jones, Taste of Soul L.A. solidified its status as a celebration of music, culture, and unity on a grand scale.