Reunion for Masquerade’s legendary late-’90s hip-hop night happens Friday in Tampa

For seven years in Ybor City, there wasn’t a weekly hip-hop party better attended than the one with DJ Fader at the helm.

Inside Masquerade from 1996-2003, the Bay area scene staple played KRS-One, Nas, Big L, and Black Moon alongside more mainstream artists—and some critics had the audacity to tell him that Tampa wouldn’t gravitate to it. Without radio, or social media, Fader and friends played the records they loved, and taught the city to love the music back.

For one night only, Fader brings vibes from the Masquerade to a Seminole Heights reunion with friends and all the songs from that era. There’s no cover, and early arrival is suggested.

There’s no cover to see Masquerade hip-hop night reunion withDJ Fader at Velvet Gypsy in Tampa on Friday, Feb. 27.

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This article appears in Feb. 26 – Mar. 04, 2026.