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Just Announced: The Districts and Hardwork Movement to co-headline Beyond the Bars benefit show this May

The Districts
The Districts | Photo by Jeremy Zimmerman | http://jeremy-zim.com/

Local acts Hardwork Movement and The Districts have been announced as special guests for the next Beyond the Bars benefit concert, hosted at World Cafe Live this May. Both acts are no strangers to the stage downstairs, as the hip-hop soulsters performed a free at noon set just last month, and the Philly-via-Lititz rockers played in one of the first BtB benefit show in April of 2016. Now, the two local forces are coming together for a special co-headlining event, all to benefit the local organization dedicated to exposing youth who have been impacted by the incarceration system to musical outlets and to provide safe spaces where they can express themselves. Continue reading →

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Aqeel Aadam and Sterling Duns meditate on personal growth with new single “Learn to Fall”

Aqeel Aadam | photo by James Sung | via qubicity.bandcamp.com

Philly’s Aqeel Aadam, a multi-instrumentalist and producer who formerly performed as Qubicity, just dropped a new single called “Learn to Fall” with Sterling Duns of Key faves Hardwork Movement.

The track features surprisingly clear flows that contrast distorted, raspy vocals, as well as a tasteful use of autotune. With trap inspired snares and heavy bass, and synth and vocals that are more EDM, they rap lyrics about dealing with negative emotions in order grow as a person with lyrics like “I think I’ve got to learn how to fall / I’m starting to embrace the pain /  Instead of standing in my way.” Continue reading →

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Free at Noon Flashback: Hardwork Movement puts on for their city

Hardwork Movement | photo by Ashley Gellman-LaLima for WXPN

Remember last summer, when the weather was warm, and Hardwork Movement filled the XPN Fest Marina Stage with their sunny, vibrant energy? Life seemed pretty good back then. But even now, in the dead of winter, things aren’t looking that bad — it’s 2018, the Eagles won the Super Bowl, and, conveniently, Hardwork Movement was here to help us celebrate.

And celebrate they did. Those who survived Thursday’s parade and were looking to keep the party going came to the right place this afternoon, because Hardwork Movement, still jazzed from the city’s big win, brought all the Philly spirit we could ask for right here to the World Cafe Live stage — and Hardwork Movement is a group that knows how to fill a stage. Nine members strong, their presence is magnetic, and managed to turn a quiet morning audience into a dance party by the end of their set. Continue reading →

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Tonight’s Concert Picks: Hardwork Movement at Underground Arts, Circa Survive at Electric Factory, Deadfellow at Johnny Brenda’s, and more

Hardwork Movement | photo by Jeremy Zimmerman for WXPN

Known for their energetic performances, Philly hip-hop collective Hardwork Movement will bring the party to Underground Arts tonight; Kuf Knotz also plays. The band recently released For The People, their first recording as a full band. Hardwork Movement members Becca Imani and Dani Gershkoff recently joined The Key to perform an a cappella rendition of “Don’t Block the Sun” — listen below, and watch the full band Key Studio Sessions performance of “Walk It Off”. Find tickets and more information on tonight’s show on the XPN Concert Calendar. Continue reading →

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The Key Presents: Hardwork Movement

Hardwork Movement | photo by Jeremy Zimmerman | jeremy-zim.com

Sunday, October 8th, 2017. It’s technically autumn, but the weather is still warm, comfortable — if a little wet, care of a lingering shower from the morning hours. Philadelphians are exploring the nooks and crannies of City Hall, at the nexus of Broad and Market Streets — from the Dilworth Plaza Oktoberfest market to installations of Mural Arts’ Monument Lab project.

In the catacombs of the building’s east passageway, Becca Imani and Dani Gershkoff of Hardwork Movement find a resonant alcove to perform a song a cappella. Normally, they’re part of the instrumental sprawl of local hip-hop collective Hardwork Movement, playing trumpet and flute and contributing vocals to their bandmates’ fierce rhymes. But for one song — the elegant “Don’t Block the Sun” — they take center stage, and them alone. And it always slays. Even as the sounds of the city’s cars and subway trains provide a rumbling accompaniment, Graham and Gershkoff are locked in the serenity zone, singing about (and radiating) inner strength. Continue reading →

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Hardwork Movement returns with “Like This,” a new song from their first full-band EP

Hardwork Movement | photo by Danny Gevirtz | courtesy of the artist | via instagram.com/dannygevirtz
Hardwork Movement | photo by Danny Gevirtz | courtesy of the artist | via instagram.com/dannygevirtz

Tomorrow night, Philly hip-hop luminaries Hardwork Movement headline their biggest hometown show to date at Underground Arts. Tomorrow morning, they’re dropping a new project — For The People, their first collection of songs recorded as a full band.

Tonight, the Movement gave us their first taste of that record in the form of “Like This.”  Continue reading →

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Just Announced: Hardwork Movement will headline Underground Arts on 9/15

Hardwork Movement | photo by Danny Gevirtz | courtesy of the artist | via instagram.com/dannygevirtz
Hardwork Movement | photo by Danny Gevirtz | courtesy of the artist | via instagram.com/dannygevirtz

Okay, seriously, can we talk for a minute about how great Hardwork Movement was at XPNFest yesterday? From the opening “City Bars” to a freestyle over an Anderson.Paak bassline, Chill Moody and Joie Kathos joining in to cover Future and the always incredible closer “Living Legend,” the Philly hip-hop crew brought a ridiculous amount of energy to the Marina Stage for only 12:30 in the afternoon. (Seriously — listen back here.)

The good news is it doesn’t end there. Continue reading →

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XPN Fest Recap: Hardwork Movement is all positive energy and community on the Marina Stage

Hardwork Movement | photo by Jeremy Zimmerman for WXPN

Hardwork Movement is a hip-hop ensemble rooted in community and positivity, and they definitely showed up with the good vibes flowing for their performance on the last day of this year’s XPN Fest. As the performance began, those in the audience not familiar with the group would be excused for thinking it was one-man show with a backing band. That is, until a second emcee joined in. Then another…then another. By the end of the first song the whole of Hardwork Movement had joined on the stage nine performers strong. Continue reading →

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Firefly on the Fly, Day Three: Chance the Rapper, Bob Dylan, Mondo Cozmo, Kesha, Bishop Briggs, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more

Chance The Rapper | Firefly Music Festival 2017 | Photos by John Vettese

Day Three of the Firefly Music Festival brought out superstar performances from Bob Dylan, Chance The Rapper, and The Weeknd, but it also brought out some of Philly’s finest including Mondo Cozmo, Chill Moody, Hardwork Movement, Vita and the Woolf, and a DJ set from the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff. Some great sets by Bishop Briggs, Sunflower Bean, and Kesha. Continue reading →