Locals in hip-hop community give back for back-to-school

For two locals in the music scene, August has been a time for both celebrating their accomplishments and giving back to their communities.

For Third World Studios owner Tony Castro, whether or not to help the city of Wilmington isn’t a question. Pride and love for his city is something that Castro has had in him since the beginning.

Last Sunday, Castro and his company Third World Studios hosted the Third World Music Backpack Fest at Altitude Trampoline Park on the Riverfront. The event was a major success with over 250 bookbags giving out to kids from the community headed back to school.

More than 700 people showed up for the event, and the line grew out the door and wrapped around the corner. That means Castro and his company will have to think bigger next year.

“This event surprised everybody, I don’t think we thought this many people would come but it was amazing to see the community come together along with our sponsors,” Castro said.

Organizers gave out 250 bookbags at the event, which featured free jump passes, free food, drinks and school supplies, and performances from local artists. Next year, Third World Studios hope to increase the number of supplies they hand out, possibly doubling what they gave at this year’s event.

Castro specifically wanted musical performances as part of the event to give local artists an opportunity to introduce themselves to the community.

Another artist who had a big month — and really, a big year — was Amillion the Poet. Whether it’s traveling to London, Jamaica, or New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival, Amillion has been all over the place and doesn’t seem to be slowing down.

In June, Amillion performed at the Firefly Music Festival in front of his home crowd and a host of new fans. Throughout the four-day Festival, Amillion and his team enlisted the help of Jet Phynx Films and Hinder Media to help capture the experience in a documentary, “Road To Firefly.”

This past Sunday, Amillion showed the film to a sold-out crowd where, unfortunately, some people had to be turned away. There was also a Q&A with journalist India Sage. He also hosted a Road Back to School bookbag giveaway. On selling out the show, Amillion said it was “a huge blessing.”

“With less than two weeks of promotion and no physical flyers, it was an indication of hard work and consistency over the years. This showed we can do anything in a small state like Delaware as long as we have a big state of mind.”

Amillion worked with Jet Phynx, Hinder Media and JW Visionz on the effort. He said AMC asked if they could do another showing for those who couldn’t make the first one, and they’re considering it. 

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