The annual Skratch Bastid BBQ wins over Toronto once again

Paul Murphy, better known as Skratch Bastid, is kind of an institution in the Toronto music scene. Bastid is a three-time Scribble Jam DJ Battle winner and the first-ever Canadian DJ to be nominated for the Juno Award for his original work but here in Toronto, he is best known for throwing unique events.

One of the most popular summer events, which tours across Canada, is the Skratch Bastit BBQ party. The event takes over a public city space called The Bentway, a space well established as the common ground for many cultural and art events. The two-day BBQ-themed festival program is a spotlight on hip-hop culture with breaking battles, scratch DJ performances, rap music showcases, and DJ battles. Needless to say, this space and event are an ideal match, framed by the concrete city atmosphere and a viewing lawn.

Over the years Bastid has participated as the judge in various Red Bull competitions, including Thre3style, so it was no surprise that the event stage was the Red Bull transformer bus. An ingenious invention I must admit. The rest of the space was shaped by beverage vendors serving up samples of Monkey Shoulder cocktails and Casa Del Rey mixed tequila drinks. And then, of course, there were the BBQ and food vendors offering an endless supply of tasty libations.

Between the breakdancing battles the competing and amateur dancers took turns practising moves and tricks. Surrounded by a supportive crowd they were cheering one another through head spins and trips alike. Even the junior attendees were welcome on the dance floor.

Throughout the weekend Skratch Bastid, dressed in a BBQ apron, took the stage a few times himself but mostly shared the space with talent from across the city. Deejay T-Jr, 2X Canadian DMC Champion, set the scene early on Saturday with some firey hip-hop and Latino tracks while another DMC winner, DJ Starting from Scratch showcased his flavour of scratch DJing on Sunday. Raz Fresco, joined on stage by the BKRSCLB, got real and lyrical with the attendees taking the evening into adults-only hours with DJ Koco and Alchemist.

Bastid’s BBQ has been hosting people out in the sun since 2010 and the event is only getting bigger. For many folks, especially in the hip hop community this event is a highlight and a reunion. For many others it is an opportunity to do something different and be a part of something bigger then a tourist-packed street food festival.