In a momentous farewell to their Richmond roots, local hip-hop sensation Kidz At Play staged an unforgettable final performance in the backyard of an Oregon Hill residence, a charming neighborhood nestled in Richmond, VA. This iconic show in July 2023 was not just a concert but a celebration of their landmark signing with AWAL, a label under the Sony banner. The house rocked with high energy as the Kidz delivered a memorable performance, showcasing the electrifying music that catapulted them to the next level.

Our previous coverage in June highlighted the remarkable journey of Kidz At Play, an 11-member collective originating from a tight-knit group of high school friends in Richmond. Their recent signing with AWAL, a Sony-affiliated label known for representing diverse talents such as Little Simz, JPEGMAFIA, and Deadmau5, marks a significant milestone. This multi-album deal, which allows the group to retain full creative control, is a testament to their growing influence in the music industry. Spearheaded by founder SMYTH, Kidz At Play gained widespread attention with a viral TikTok single in June 2022. Jacob Parra Mena, a Director of the group, reflects on their journey: "We started to be like, yo, let’s take it seriously." Though comprised of only three musicians, the collective's eclectic sound is a fusion of varied influences and personal narratives, making their music uniquely resonant.

Special thanks to John W Stuart ‘Stu’ Gilchrist III for recording this set.

About Chickenwire Guesthouse: Stu Gilchrist runs a residency-style recording facility in Cartersville VA, about 40 minutes from Charlottesville or Richmond. Services: Record Making, Mobile Capture and Post-Production, Recording Session and Pre-Production, Pre-Tour Rehearsals, Songwriter ‘Wood-Shedding’ Place, Podcast Production. Check their website for info about equipment and rates.

About RVA Magazine: RVA Mag, since 2005, has been empowering Richmond and Virginia communities by innovatively blending art, music, culture, and politics in its storytelling. It's a digital and print magazine dedicated to diverse community representation. As a cultural ambassador for Richmond, it engages readers across the Commonwealth and leads social conversations. Grateful to its supporters and contributors, RVA Mag remains committed to impactful storytelling.

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