Indie Hip Hop Showcase #6 @ The Terrace Restaurant 11.25.11

Last Friday The Terrace Restaurant & Bar opened its doors to indie hip-hop and street artists from the greater Los Angeles area for a night of new music, networking and live art.

is a monthly gathering put on by BSQ Magazine and LAVish Events & Entertainment. It is the brainchild of LA-based hip hop artist Izova the Khemist who is owner of LAVish, a promotion company aimed at garnering exposure for fellow independent artists and talent.

There was no shortage of hip hop acts taking the stage, eager for a chance at breaking into the music industry. In between, there were raffles for free swag and canvases painted by artists during the event.

Highlights of the night were A.L. the Crown Prince who had stage charisma down-pat with horn section and a coordinated red sweater theme that lent uniformity to the. One the few female showcase artists, 22 year old Halfbreed, was also one of the best acts with lyrics that were equal parts raw and poetic. The Khemist even took the stage for a brief but energetic show, working up a sweat in the reverie.

Despite some of the promising talent that night, the sheer number of acts (one right after the other) was a bit overwhelming by the midnight hour. The $10 cover charge did little to draw in a diverse crowd outside the featured artist’s circle of friends and family. More than once, Izova had to take the mic to encourage the crowd to migrate away from the bar or to plead with the artists to stick around after their sets to encourage fellow artists.

Izova and his LAVish flagship will be putting on another Hip Hop showcase later in December. Check LAVish Events & Entertainment’s tumblr or facebook page for event updates, or contact Izova the Khemist directly at lavsho­wcase@­gmail.­com.