SNAPSHOT: FLAG ON THE MOON 5

FIVE YEARS is a pivotal milestone in the lifespan of any reoccurring event. At five years, the organizers can establish if the event has “staying power.” At five years, the novelty normally wears off and the event is no longer the new thing – it’s truly “a thing.”

Last Sunday, the annual hip-hop event Flag on the Moon rocketed into year five. Hosted by Oktane, DJed by DJ Melodic and Hip Hop Henry (S/O to my original Cheats Movement Podcast brethren), and headlined by Association of Great Minds’ Michael Millions, Radio B (who always celebrates his birthday weekend during Flag), and Nickelus F. AGM super-producer NameBrand was in the building as well.

Flag 5 felt more like a festival than a concert. A mixture of new performers (LASOLID & SNEEZE) touched the stage, along with ascending artists Young Flexico, RVA Rap Elite Champion Vintage, and Flag fan contest winner O-Z. More seasoned performers Easalio and Illa Styles rounded out the preliminaries before Michael Millions took the stage (flanked by his daughter), Radio B, and Nickelus F.

Sometimes, depending on the event, it’s difficult for the audience to maintain high energy throughout several performers. That has never been a problem at Flag on the Moon. Flag is a night for true hip-hop fans (and AGM family). There’s rarely any lulls in the action.

Now that Flag 5 is in the books I wonder what the future will hold for the signature event. Will AGM continue to headline? Will the festival (I’m speaking festival into existence) expand to two nights? What does the next level look like?

What is clear to me is that after five years there is much that can be explored for the future. Flag on the Moon has truly come into its own. And it’s here to stay. #WESEEIT