TOURFORLIFE22 Recap
a message from full blast booking owner & operator
Where do I even begin, damn..
Our first TFL was last summer in 2021 and we all know how dope it was.. I was determined to retain all its greatness, and improve the few things we learned lessons on. After another year of FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING, negotiating deals, issuing 30+ agreements, attending hella meetings, signing MOU’s, signing contracts with all headliners and co-headliners, purchasing insurance policies, budget spreadsheets, purchasing supplies, riders, advances, extensive promo, etc etc etc- TourForLife 2022 was everything I envisioned it to be, and sooo much more.
There is something so magical about booking 30+ indie hip hop artists from all over the country and watch them come together for this. They start off not knowing each other at all, and after 5 days they are family for life. For Life!!! Feel me?!?!
This tour is so different, and so special because we create a projection of energy traveling in the exact same direction. So many incredibly talented humans, all on the same page for this cause, all channeling their vibrations in the same way, and with the same intent. We had incredible live painting. We had therapists offering free counseling sessions on site. We had awesome raffles and giveaways. We had dope live music performances. And we had more LOVE than can be measured.
Firstly, this tour comes from a place of love. It comes from HOME. I am the luckiest guy in the world to have my lady Cristin and our amazing children by my side, in my HOME every day. I’ve lived on the street. I know the struggle well. I would not be able to pull this off if it werent for my HOME that I share with my loved ones. I love you so much babe, and thank you. When Ghostface and Sheek were killing that stage, we looked at each other like Damn, we did this.
The whole TourForLife staff is incredible and deserve infinite flowers for their efforts.
DjFunksway Llbb: my brother and best friend. Absolutely flawless- 5 days running sets and no mistakes. Music selection top notch- you are the truth and the gears running this well oiled machine.
Brando Culpeper: its not too often u get to hire a mentor. I have looked up to this man and been in awe of his talents since 2012 when we met on the warped tour- where hard work, punctuality, and dedication is required at all times, or you get literally eaten alive. We get each other 100% and I am so proud and happy to have you in my corner. 🐐 host.
Ernesto Sympl Gutierrez: our friendship and understanding of each other has been the foundation of this relationship since we met. You are hip hop. You personify the essense in everything you do and say. Couldnt have a better man for the job- smashed hosting duties and ran the 2nd stage like the boss you are.
Jo Anne-Patricia Piccarillo: most do not know the amount of hard work you put into this tour. You are a valued assistant to Full Blast Booking and each and every one of us appreciates the hell out of you. Idk how you do it, or what planet youre actually from, but I’m so glad you’re here with us.
Mickey Bourbon: Mick Burbs wit the slick verbs! I needed an assistant on this tour bc i cant do 5 things at 1 time all day long. This job is not for just anybody but I knew you were the guy. You helped this tour run smoothly by being there for me every step of the way. You’re a great dude and have become one of my best friends.
To Jason Deeble, PA – Paranormal Adam, Konflik, Ms. Laura Michelle, TheLIEshow, SympL, Young Zee, Oldie Ivory, Goat squad, Mr King, Heavy, Don Blake, Diogenes, Livewire, Space Station, Bran Nu: THANK YOU for doing this whole run, and executing like champions.
To our headliners: Ghostface Killah, Sheek Louch, Rah Digga, Canibus Music, Dizzy Wright, All Flows Reach Out, Pace Won, El Da Sensei – Artifacts, Ren Thomas: A blessing to have you all. We all grew up with your music. Youve inspired us since day 1. For you all to work with Full Blast in the name of such an important cause is a high honor. That speech by Ghost will move mountains for the future of TFL and we will see to it!
To all the select date acts/local support: Thank y’all as well. You held it down, showed up and fit right in with a touring package and thats not always easy to do. Appreciate all of you so much!
To Shakers Pub, Michelle + Dingbatz, George Adler + Electric Haze, Joshua Ames + The Shaskeen Pub and Restaurant, and Hollis Martin + Toad’s Place – Toads Place – THANK YOU for bringing TFL into your homes, accepting our different ways of doing things, being gracious hosts and ultimately allowing us to have a place to raise awareness and funding for this important cause. Your venues are awesome.
Mental Health Connecticut: You took a flyer on me in 2019. I was just some random guy who wanted to make a difference in the world. You are the ones that allow me to make that difference official. You do selfless, amazing things for your communities and I cant thank you enough. I encourage everyone in CT (and beyond) to tap in, follow MHC on socials, visit their webpage, check out their programming, events and resources for managing your mental health. Help them help YOU. MHC IS HIP HOP.
We’ll be announcing the total raised for charity in a few, once certain checks clear and settlements finalize. But I can tell ya now, u wont be disappointed!
To all who attended and performed: I hope that this series of events taught you something. I hope this series of events opened your eyes and hearts to how fucking important it is to take care of your mental health. Now do it! I love you all.
8/18 - dingbatz | Clifton, NJ | Rah digga, el da sensei & ren thomas
8/20 - the shaskeen | manchester, nh | Canibus & a-f-r-o
8/21 - toad's place | new haven, ct | ghostface killah & sheek louch
