Kidz At Play LIVE in Oregon Hill, Richmond, VA July 2023

In a momentous farewell to their Richmond roots, local hip-hop sensation Kidz At Play staged an unforgettable final performance in the backyard of an Oregon Hill residence, a charming neighborhood nestled in Richmond, VA. This iconic show in July 2023 was not just a concert but a celebration of their landmark signing with AWAL, a label under the Sony banner. The house rocked with high energy as the Kidz delivered a memorable performance, showcasing the electrifying music that catapulted them to the next level. Our previous coverage in June highlighted the remarkable journey of Kidz At Play, an 11-member collective originating from a tight-knit group of high school friends in Richmond. Their recent signing with AWAL, a Sony-affiliated label known for representing diverse talents such as Little Simz, JPEGMAFIA, and Deadmau5, marks a significant milestone. This multi-album deal, which allows the group to retain full creative control, is a testament to their growing influence in the music industry. Spearheaded by founder SMYTH, Kidz At Play gained widespread attention with a viral TikTok single in June 2022. Jacob Parra Mena, a Director of the group, reflects on their journey: "We started to be like, yo, let’s take it seriously." Though comprised of only three musicians, the collective's eclectic sound is a fusion of varied influences and personal narratives, making their music uniquely resonant. Special thanks to John W Stuart ‘Stu’ Gilchrist III for recording this set. About Chickenwire Guesthouse: Stu Gilchrist runs a residency-style recording facility in Cartersville VA, about 40 minutes from Charlottesville or Richmond. Services: Record Making, Mobile Capture and Post-Production, Recording Session and Pre-Production, Pre-Tour Rehearsals, Songwriter ‘Wood-Shedding’ Place, Podcast Production. Check their website for info about equipment and rates. About RVA Magazine: RVA Mag, since 2005, has been empowering Richmond and Virginia communities by innovatively blending art, music, culture, and politics in its storytelling. It's a digital and print magazine dedicated to diverse community representation. As a cultural ambassador for Richmond, it engages readers across the Commonwealth and leads social conversations. Grateful to its supporters and contributors, RVA Mag remains committed to impactful storytelling. - where to find us - Instagram: @rvamag Tiktok: @rvamag Facebook: @rvamag https://rvamag.com Support Richmond Independent Media Like RVA Magazine In a world where big corporations and wealthy individuals shape much of the media landscape, RVA Magazine remains fiercely independent, amplifying the voices of Richmond’s artists, musicians, and community. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to authentic, grassroots storytelling that highlights the people and culture shaping our city.   We can’t do this without you. A small donation, as little as $2, – one-time or recurring – helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside influence. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE