This was the best Carnival experience I've had in my life. The best.
I went to war with my family this weekend: Raja, Mastermind, the whole Sorrel and Lime crew, Legend, Tasha, Toya Redz, Jab Boston, Warlock, Red House, Picatra, Selector Tim, Wifey and Neeks, Cassie, Kyron. The list goes on. Even Hotsauce and her little T-shirt.
No carnival in the world has that turn.
This is about heritage, love, and respect for our cultures — so different, so profound.
Yes, Boston Carnival is on the decline. Only because of the power struggle of the elites. To hell with the elites. They were not going to ruin my weekend, and I will not let them destroy one of the best carnivals in the world.
People from Boston, do you understand how lucky you are? At one point the Caribbean Cultural Center — 3C's — was one of the best dancehalls in the world. NYC, Miami, and Jamaica wanted to do business with Bobby Shakes. Why? Because Boston had that rich a Caribbean culture.
I've never been to Trinidad, but all I hear is that Boston has a top-tier road route. And I'll say it plainly: no carnival in the world has that turn.
That turn brings tears to my eyes. When Richie, Killa D, Warlock, and Legend say "wait till we touch the road" — and we make that turn onto Blue Hill and shell it dun — it's goosebumps. From a shooter's standpoint, that corner is the frame the whole day builds toward: the band leans, the flags whip, the truck bass hits the buildings on both sides and comes straight back at you. You don't get that on a wide-open route. Boston's road is tight, and tight is why it hits. I've been on that corner for the better part of thirty years — the 2013 and 2019 road galleries on my portfolio site are linked below, same turn, same goosebumps.
You burned down 3C's. I will not let you burn down Carnival.