Hip hop event targets new voters
By Mark Bailey on Sep. 17, 2008
Hip hop music gets a bad rap in certain circles, with opponents criticizing it for being violent, misogynist and obscene. But for many, hip hop is the voice of a generation, an outlet for hope, anger and self-expression.
The stereotypes of hip hop culture will be tackled head-on Saturday at Hip Hop 4 Obama, a grassroots event aimed at starting a dialogue about hip hop music, politics and the community. The mission is to “give the hip hop generation locally a voice,” said organizer Skylyn Hagins.
IF YOU’RE GOING:
WHAT: Hip Hop 4 Obama
WHEN: 7 p.m. Sept. 20
WHERE: Starlight Café, 512 Fifth St.
COST: Free
There will be a panel discussion and performances by local hip hop artists. The pro-Obama event will also include a voter registration drive.
Obama or McCain, the main goal is to get more people to vote in this year’s pivotal election, Hagins said.
“Everybody should have a vote, and everybody should have a part in the process,” Hagins said. “Hey, if we get five new voters out of it, we’ve
succeeded.”
Taking center stage are two local performers, who go against the grain of mainstream hip hop culture: Rise (Jamal Williams) and Spice (Joseph Lewis).
Rise is a hip hop artist and DJ on WNRN’s “Boom Box,” a rap radio show out of Charlottesville. His music revolves around a positive message of change and candid storytelling about life’s challenges. He recently released a new album, “A Mic and a Dream.”
“I want to wash out the derogatory-ness of hip hop music, bring back a positive vibe,” Rise said.
Spice, a reggae artist who recently released the album “Many Moods of Music,” will also perform. His work mixes rap and hip hop influences, and also presents an uplifting message.
“What we want to do is give them the music they love, but revolutionize the music,” Spice said.
Before the summit, there will be an invitation-only dinner, Bridging the Gap, for about 70 people, including politicians, business owners, hip hop artists and community members young and old. Some local leaders are expected to attend, including Del. Shannon Valentine, D-Lynchburg.
This is the Burg’s second hip hop summit. The first took place at Dunbar High School in 2004.
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