Monday, April 27, 2009
Lawrence’s hip-hop scene is increasing in popularity.
As of 5 p.m., more than 400 people had bought tickets for last night’s Reflection Eternal show at the Granada. Jake Hiersteiner, Granada marketing director, said he expected even more of the tickets to go before the end of the night, just another sign that Lawrence loves hip-hop.
The group, a collaboration between nationally recognized artists Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek, is on its small tour promoting its upcoming self-titled album.
Danny Spence, local rapper and producer, said the show united the growing number of Lawrence hip-hop fans.
“Even though Lawrence is smaller, it recognizes there is a community,” Spence said. “There’s a lot more artists coming to Lawrence and a lot more here getting shows. It feels like the time is right.”
Spence, Austin, Texas, junior and KJHK production director, said the local hip-hop scene went into a lull after 2002 because local artists left the area hoping to expand their audience. Now though, Spence said the artists are back and are doing things a little differently.
“KC and Lawrence artists go both ways. More people are scoring shows and scoring shows for other people,” Spence said. “Austin has a good scene, but it’s not unified like here. There’s a good unity growing.”
Last Saturday, approximately 300 people attended “Move,” a hip-hop dance party hosted by KJHK at the Bottleneck. The show featured six local hip-hop acts, two professional dance crews and live painting. Peter Adney, KJKH hip-hop director, said hip-hop shows provided the audience an “experience” that allowed them to interact with each act in a different way.
“Just as with local rock groups, it is very fun to go out and see local producers and emcees perform. The smaller and more localized, the more unique and honest the experience. That’s why it’s just as great to experience local hip-hop as it is to see your favorite star MC.”
And more people are noticing. Spence said KJHK’s foundation has always been traditional college-radio genres, like indie or alternative. But over the past few years, college radio at KJHK has expanded to include hip-hop music, as well. With two hip-hop based special programs, Bounce and Breakfast for Beat Lovers, Adney said KJHK focused on the genre more than most college stations.
Ben Coldham, Chicago senior started a hip-hop column in The University Daily Kansan this semester. Coldham said the column would continue next semester.
“Nothing in the Kansan or other places are tailored to the hip-hop fan base and I know for certain there’s a lot of hip-hop fans in Lawrence,” Coldham said.
For more of the local hip-hop scene experience, the first Wednesday of every month, 8th Street Tap Room hosts Get Foolish, a local hip-hop show. On May 8, DJ Spence and MC Polly Rhyme are performing at the Jackpot Saloon. For more information on more hip-hop events in the area visit hiphopkc.com.
— — Edited by Sam Speer
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