Rap N’ Gifts to benefit kids at Blessing House

Blank Slate Elyria hosts annual Rap N’ Gifts toy drive and rap music concert featuring local rappers.

Blank Slate Elyria music venue will host its second annual Rap N’ Gifts Toy Drive and Concert on Dec. 21.

There will be performances by a local rappers from northeast Ohio who will amp up the holiday spirit at 2 Kerstetter Way in Elyria.

For admittance, guests must bring an unwrapped toy or $5 which will be donated to the Blessing House of Lorain, a children’s safety care center at 5440 Grove Ave.

This is the second year Blank Slate Elyria will donate to the Blessing House, according to Fayaven Barbee Jr., an Elyria music artist and Blank Slate partner.

Barbee, 24, is one of the rappers who will perform.

He said he created this event to show there is more to rap or hip-hop than some may think, and to create an opportunity to help children have a great Christmas.

“We’re holding this concert because hip-hop (or rap) doesn’t get a good light,” Barbee said. “When you think of rappers, you don’t always think of someone with a super kind heart.

“We wanted to flip that narrative and do something good and give back.”

The event had a great response its first year with over 50 guests in attendance, Barbee said.

He said he and Blank Slate hope to double the number of toys from last year.

With the support the event has had and with a newer lineup of musicians, Barbee said he thinks the toy collection this year will be great for the youngsters at Blessing House.

The performers will include Will C., Authentic Language and OkayChé.

Steve Riggle, a board member of Blank Slate, said he is looking forward to the event.

“We’re happy to hold a platform for artists and bring (these acts) into downtown Elyria,” Riggle said.

The Rap N’ Gifts is a perfect example of an event Blank Slate wants for the community because it’s exposing music for the benefit of others, he said.

“Blank Slate is happy to be part of anything that can be a part of the community,” Riggle said. “Something we want to offer is that platform to have, or that space for people to share their ideas and make it possible.

“We hope to have more events like this and different.”

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with performances beginning at 7 p.m.

To purchase tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/rapn-gifts-2-toy-drive-concerttickets-53185840280.