When considering the most recognizable and culturally influential cities in hip-hop, Lawrence doesn’t usually come to mind. New York, the unquestionable Mecca of hip-hop, is roughly 1,100 miles to the northeast, while Los Angeles does its thing 1,300 miles to the west. So, here in Lawrence, we are almost exactly halfway between the two metropolises that have had arguably the most influence in hip-hop history to date. Despite being so far from either of these two drastically different cities, Lawrence is sometimes scheduled as a show stop for hip-hop artists from around the nation, partly because of its convenient location just off I-70. This fortunate fact makes Lawrence a potential gem for hip-hop heads across the country when a quality show comes to town. The problem is that these shows are few and far between.

Since arriving in Lawrence from the north side of Chicago, I have attended as many hip-hop shows in the area as possible. My experiences with the majority of the shows in Lawrence have been tremendous; I have never been able to get so close to a performer so effortlessly anywhere else. The first instance of this was Atmosphere and Brother Ali at the Granada — definitely a hype show — but it still took me only five minutes to shimmy through the crowd to the front and center of the stage. After that first show, a couple of Chicago acts performed at the Bottleneck (Typical Cats and Long Shot, among others). I was among only two dozen there, and was able to take in an awesome show by one of my favorite groups just a couple of feet away. My love for the Lawrence hip-hop scene grew from there.

Used to catching only glimpses of emcees in packed Chicago venues, I was begrudgingly accustomed to watching a show nine or 10 rows back (no matter how early I arrived). But in Lawrence, no matter whether it’s a small-time act or an international performer, one can be right in front giving dap to the man on stage. Lawrence offers truly unique and incredible experiences to its residents with this kind of hip-hop scene, experiences few towns throughout the country can match. However, while the shortage of concert patrons offers a much more intimate and comfortable way for hip hop heads to see their favorite artist, it can also be a curse.

Lawrence may have a healthy hip-hop appetite, but it is usually dying of starvation. Every week I check local Web sites for upcoming quality shows in Lawrence and the Kansas City area, and I’m pleasantly surprised less and less frequently. It seems to me that although artists appear to enjoy performing in Lawrence, they may be forced to book other venues in more populated areas. For example, underground favorite Murs has been to Lawrence several times in the past but now plays only in the larger market of Kansas City.

What the hip-hop community in Lawrence must do is attract better acts more frequently by attending what shows do come through town in greater numbers. This will encourage acts to return to Lawrence in the future as well as attract other management groups to the city. So, fellow hip-hop heads (and non-heads), do as I do and check Lawrence.com for upcoming shows, buy yourself a ticket and get closer to the hip-hop experience than you ever thought possible. Help support Lawrence’s potentially incredible yet currently dormant hip-hop scene. Peace.

— Coldham is a Chicago senior in journalism and English.