It may not seem like it (since Philly Will is Chris Vance’s official performance DJ), but Vance and PW have not rocked a monthly event together since the end of 2013’s “Underground Phresh” (UP). A lot has happened for both Philly Will & Chris Vance since – and with #reFLEXphilly (Pub Webb, 1527 Cecil B. Moore) on deck for Saturday, it’s a good time to refresh the people on what these two have been up to since then.
In the fall of 2013, Philly Will & Chris Vance made their way to Atlanta for the A3C Festival. Yusuf Muhammad (Veteran Freshman) organized the first #PhillyToA3C trip – with Phlight School being amongst a group of 50 invited to go as official Philadelphia representatives. While this was momentous for PS as a whole, they were down there for different reasons. Philly Will was enlisted as the DJ for E-Hos & I-Know Brasco – and while Vance wound up performing alongside E-Hos – he also wound up hosting the event alongside Don Cannon.
Philly Will became Pier Entertainment’s official event DJ in the summer of 2013, shortly after the last edition of UP. He also joined Near Dark Entertainment (by way of DJ Patrice McBride) later that year. These dual opportunities allowed Will to invade Atlantic City, scoring DJ gigs at Harrah’s, Bally’s, Showboat & Caesar’s – even spending a summer alongside the legendary DJ Jay Ski at Bally’s infamous Beach Bar. He also backed Philly/Atlanta artist Newz Huddle when he opened for Future at the Trocadero in 2014.
Chris Vance has certainly kept busy while his DJ has been hard at work. A dominant year, performance-wise, saw him selected for one of four Philly Hip Hop Awards cyphers in 2013. Vance even tried some new things musically, venturing into jazz with Veteran Freshman’s “Who Got The Jazz” series. His tribute to Miles Davis and Nas earned him an All-Star nod and a performance on the main stage at World Cafe Live. Since 2013, however, he has hosted multiple events around the city, from showcases to parties. He was the only host involved in the GL Productions x Silk City “Thursday’s @ Silk” run in 2014, as well as performing at a number of large venues. Vance also released his newest full length project, “Doom City: Last of The Best” in 2014, with three different visual singles (Last of The Best, When The L Is Gone & Every Single Day feat. Chill Moody & Jacqueline Constance) leading the way. Unfortunately, Vance has not been able to perform since December 2014, as he tore both of his quadriceps.
The original Phlight Pilots continue to march ahead – Vance still has not missed an edition of The Bounce (alongside the Crossfaded Bacon DJ duo of Bo Bliz & Emynd), in spite of the injury, and has even continued hosting other select events. He also just recently wrapped his #MeyygensStereo series, an audio dedication to his sister. #reFLEXphilly signifies his first foray back into regular physical activity. More “Doom City” vids are soon coming soon – including visuals for Drawlin (feat. Ground Up), Call On Me and Concussion. Vance’s major focus now is on his upcoming “Flashpoint” EP with DJ Bear One, and his next full length solo project, “William’s Rebellion”. Philly Will has notched even more residencies under his belt, becoming the resident DJ at Center Bar at Valley Forge Casino. He’s also signed on as the resident DJ with The Gathering, the longest running hip-hop party in Philadelphia (19 years), hosted by Ai Que and Fame Vasquez.
Tabbed to close out Temple Homecoming 2015, the Phlight duo are amped to show fellow alumni, current students, local artists and intrigued locals what they can do. Come witness Chris Vance and Philly Will’s worlds collide again as Phlight School and Pub Webb present REFLEX!!!!
PHLIGHT SCHOOL 