First Ave and 7th Street have made their way onto this page many times and every time I have had raving reviews of the venue and the acts, this time is no different. The only difference this time is the whole world got to watch. X Games brought its talented cast to Minneapolis and Minneapolis staple Rhymesayers and Stophouse showcased its talented cast right back.

The newest signee to Stophouse, Cashinova, is a homegrown rapper whose high energy is a perfect addition to Stophouse and was a perfect addition to Prof's Tour earlier this year. This would be the first time I had seen him, well first and second but that's for later.

Rhymesayers boast some of if not the best lyricists in the game with artists like Slug, Brother Ali, and Aesop Rock; however, one of their lesser-known artists is also one of my favorite lyricists because her bars come with a side of personal growth and teaching. Sa Roc blessed the stage with a Sage burning before literally burning the stage with sometimes intense sometimes inspiring and always technical lyricism.

The night ended in the best way to get everyone's adrenaline pumping and ready for the action-packed weekend ahead. Oh, and in case I forgot to mention, before rocking the stage at First Ave he performed in front of US Bank Stadium at the Skate Vert ramp on International television. While Sa Roc is full of bars, Prof is a well known 'Bar Breaker' who's mix of 'Ape Shit' energy and melodic hook so smooth it should be 'Criminal' its no wonder that he reached heights of 'Andre the Giant.' And while he was adamant about retiring his blue and yellow raft, he couldn't resist one last ride across the crowd.