(AllHipHop Features) Last year, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center held the inaugural Tidal X concert.
On October 15, the NYC venue will once again be the place where music icons such as Beyoncé and Ms. Lauryn Hill perform for charity.
The global entertainment platform Tidal and the poverty-fighting organization Robin Hood have announced TIDAL X: 1015.
The goal of the festival is to raise awareness, funds, and inspire action for transformative and positive social impact focusing on education.
T.I., Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, Common, DNCE, Robin Thicke, Emeli Sandé, Prince Royce, Blood Orange, Salva, and Ross One are also among the acts expected to take the stage at TIDAL X: 1015.
Tidal Rising acts Mark E. Bassy, Lil Yachty, Kevin Garrett, Danielle Bradbery, Sir The Baptist, Bebe Rexha, and Levi Carter have been tapped for the concert as well.
“The Voice Of New York” Angie Martinez will serve as the host for the evening.
The Power 105.1 radio personality spoke with AllHipHop.com about the importance of celebrities getting involved in philanthropic activities such as the showcase being put on by Tidal and Robin Hood.
“People have these platforms to use their amazing voices to inspire people all the time or create good music that provokes things,” says Martinez. “All of that’s cool, but ultimately if you can use your voice to change people’s lives, that’s what it’s all about.”
Another well-known New York City Hip Hop figure is part of the upcoming event in Brooklyn.
Cipha Sounds also discusses his role in TIDAL X: 1015 and the value of giving back with AllHipHop.com.
“I love it. I always wanted to help people. I just never knew how. I knew I wanted to be in entertainment, but I always wanted to help people,” states the former Hot 97 deejay. “I’m not saying all people of stature have to help, but I think they should. Because people listen to them a lot more. I’m glad to be part of it in any way.”
Cipha had one of the most talked about sets at the TIDAL X: 1020 concert in 2015.
The Take It Personal improv show creator plans to bring just as much heat at next month’s performance.
“That set from last year was incredible, but it was incredible because it was unexpected,” Cipha recalls. “I came out and tore it down. That’s what I do on a regular basis. It’s just that it was in front of a bigger audience. Even Jay Z was telling me how much he liked it. I’m going to be able to top that easily.”
With numerous platinum-selling entertainers like Hov walking around Barclays during TIDAL X, the corridors of the arena likely resemble a living “hall of fame.”
Angie insists the spirit of goodwill is what truly resonates behind the scenes.
“It’s always fun backstage with artists of that caliber. Everybody’s excited and take their shows seriously. But an event like this is even better because everybody knows they’re there for a good cause. So the vibes are always good,” conveys Martinez. “You’re showing up there with good intentions, so that sets the tone of the night. Everybody involved is happy to be there.”
Cipha Sounds adds, “The backstage vibe is phenomenal. Everybody’s showing love.”
In addition to teaming with the Robin Hood non-profit, Tidal previously promoted other charitable endeavors with recording artists.
T.I. was hands on for the TIDAL X: MONEY TALK education contest. Lil Wayne took part in TIDAL SOCIAL WAVE FOR CHANGE.
Proceeds from last October’s TIDAL X: 1020 concert provided grants to a select list of organizations promoting social and racial justice.
One hundred percent of all ticket sales from TIDAL X: 1015 will benefit Robin Hood and Tidal-supported nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving education locally, nationally, and abroad.
During a livestream of the 2016 edition, fans around the world will have the chance to donate money to help fund education initiatives.
“We raised like $1.5 million last year which is amazing. I’ve been working with Roc Nation for a long time, and I’ve been working with Tidal for some time. They’re very much involved in giving back. I try to be as supportive as I can be. If I can lend my voice, why not?” expresses Angie Martinez.
“Supporting the community and having a positive impact is a Tidal tenet and mission,” says Dania Diaz, VP of Philanthropy for Roc Nation, in a statement. “We are honored to partner with Robin Hood for TIDAL X: 1015 around this year’s current theme, education. We know that education can advance communities and can be the most powerful tool for change. Robin Hood has helped transform communities in positive ways by supporting education programs that generate meaningful results.”
The TIDAL X: 1015 charity concert is scheduled for October 15 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Both Tidal members and non-members will have access to a livestream of the event provided by Tidal.
General public tickets for the TIDAL X: 1015 go on sale Monday, September 26th at 10 am ET and can be purchased online by visiting tidal.com, ticketmaster.com, and barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
A special pre-sale for Tidal members begins on Thursday, September 22nd at 10 am ET at tidal.com/tidalx1015.