Monday begins Hip Hop Awareness week, a week of events focused on Hip Hop culture organized by Ohio University’s Hip Hop Congress.
The week includes a key-note speaker Marc Anthony Neal on Monday at 7 pm in Grover hall, a panel discussion on Tuesday in the library at 7 pm featuring three Ohio University professors, a Hip Hop Congress meeting on Wednesday in Baker 230 at 8 pm, and a diverse showcase in Baker’s Bobcat Student Lounge on Friday at 7 pm featuring local rappers, break dancers, poets and other performers. The week of events even includes a DJ lesson from Ohio University professor Dr. Houston.
With the international popularity of every form of hip hop, there are many differing opinions and approaches to style and execution. The Hip Hop Congress’s meeting will be to discuss the two basic ideologies of the subculture; old school and new school.
Saturday features a b-boy contest where participants will battle each other in a friendly competition.
The vocal form of hip-hop is rapping. In honor of the week, Mike’s Chop Shop on Court Street will be hosting a “Freestyle Friday” where aspiring rappers are encouraged to bring their best material to perform.
While those who participate in the week may learn a few new skills, it is about more than just freestyling and breakdancing, said Caitlin Stone, president of Hip Hop Congress and a senior studying video production.
"The week is about hip hop as a culture, it's not just rapping,” she said. “There are other elements to it. In learning about it, you are learning about a lot of other cultures as well. With the events, we hope to provide a fun way to see other walks of life and showcase unique perspectives."
If You Go:
What: Keynote Speech Mark Anthony Neal
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: Grover W115
Admission: Free
What: Panel Discussion about the Commodification of Hip Hop
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Friends of The Library Room
Admission: Free
What: Hip Hop Congress General Body Meeting
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Baker 230
Admission: Free
What: DJ Lessons w/ Dr. Houston
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
Where: Grover W225
Admission: Free
What: Hip Hop Showcase
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Baker Bobcat Student Lounge
Admission: Free
sn002310@ohio.edu
