Show Preview: Hip Hop Congress
Baker Student Lounge / April 4, 2014
By Cortney Willis, Staff Writer
Mom’s weekend is only days away, and money is tight for a lot of people this day and age. If your mom has any interest in the culture that is hip-hop, take her to the Baker Student Lounge (across from West 82 on the 1st floor of the John Calhoun Baker University Center) for the Ohio University chapter of Hip Hop Congress’ latest showcase.
Hip-hop music formed thirty years ago in New York’s inner city. According to the OU chapter of Hip Hop Congress’s website, “Hip-hop draws on elements from all of its musical ancestors such as the African drum, slave spirituals, blues, jazz, rock and roll. Hip-hop gives a voice to those who have been unheard.”
Hip Hop Congress attempts to dissuade people of hip-hop’s stereotypes. It attempts to teach young people about the four elements of hip-hop. OU’s chapter formed about ten years ago. “We’re just a group of hip-hop kids who meet weekly to talk about what’s going on in the hip-hop world,” said President of Hip Hop Congress Caitlin Stone, a senior studying Video Production. “Sometimes it’s gossipy, sometimes it’s more serious and political.”
Hip Hop Congress offers exposure to artists. “We create a platform for artists on campus. If you are a rapper and come to meetings, you might meet up with a producer,” said Stone. “Our showcases [like the one on Friday night] allow people to perform. It’s about making connections in the hip-hop community.”
Hip Hop Congress has another goal, according to Stone. “We want to expand awareness of hip-hop culture. It’s more than just the music; it’s a culture. It started as a culture for repressed people.”
“We call them showcases. It’s not just standard concert performances. There’s not just music. There’s spoken word poetry,” said Stone.
The event, which is free, will likely feature B-Boying. “B-Boying is the official term for breakdancing,” said Stone. “Or rather, breakdancing is a form of B-Boying.”
“A couple of local fashion groups are sponsoring the event,” said Stone, “so there might be giveaways.”
Keeping it local matters to Stone. “I think it’s important to showcase local artists,” she said. “Not a lot of people know about the hip-hop scene here, and it’s very prevalent.”
If you want to join Hip Hop Congress, meetings are Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. in the Baker Multicultural Center.
