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The Lytics will be playing at Krunk 4 the Kidz

Wrap party. Organized by Eric Olek of Friday Knights clothing company, Krunk 4 the Kidz is a holiday hip hop fundraiser with proceeds going towards the Christmas Cheer Board.
   
The event, which takes place Dec. 8 at Republic Nightclub, features local hip hop artists The Lytics, Young Kidd and White Rhino, with DJ Germano Tomassetti spinning between sets.
   
"I just wanted to do something that’s going to draw a huge crowd and build awareness that people need your help," Olek says. "We can have fun and do something good at the same time. I think The Lytics and Young Kidd are two of the best hip hop acts in the city and add White Rhino (who Olek manages) to the mix, one of the best up and comers out there, an unknown that people need to get to know."
   
This is Olek’s second foray into party planning/promoting. In September, the 21 -year-old business administration student at Red River College organized a hip hop/rock ’n’ roll party at Transcona nighspot The Oak. Olek says he made plans for a similar show immediately afterwards (he plans to put one on every few months) and, with it being the holiday season, a charity event was a no-brainer.
   
"I was raised in Elmwood until I was five and up until the time I was nine or 10 years old my mom was always working two or three jobs at a time to make sure that I had everything I needed and that I was happy," Olek says. "There are a lot of people I can relate to this time of year so that’s why I picked the Christmas Cheer Board."
   
Olek will debut Friday Knights winter line at the show with $5 from every item sold going towards the Cheer Board. Olek started the clothing company in April, which he sells out of Final Destination, City Haul (Regent Avenue location) and Hood Hop’rz.
   
"I’m coming out with new zip-up hoodies, pullover hoodies, crewneck sweaters and long-sleeved shirts," Olek says. "It’s a very powerful looking collection. People have been begging me for hoodies. When we started in April we printed 50 hoodies and 30 crewneck sweaters and they were gone within a week and a half. Everybody wants one and this being Winnipeg, you need a hoodie all year long."
   
Along with buying a ticket (which you can do for $10 at The Urban Bakery), Olek suggests bringing a tin or a toy for the bin.
   
"Bring a canned good or a non-perishable food item or even a new toy," Olek says. "We’re trying to squeeze every drop we can and give it towards the Christmas Cheer Board. This time of year means a lot, especially to people who are less fortunate. Now that I’m finally in a position where I can do something like this, I’m going to do it."
   
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