“In West Philadelphia, born and raised, on the playground where I spent most of my days …”
Don’t be ashamed if you can finish this song (and you started bobbing your head while you did it): just come out and show your evident love and appreciation for hip-hop this week.
If Fresh Prince-style hip-hop isn’t for, it’s OK: There’s something for everyone at “4ward: Hip-Hop Appreciation Week,” presented by Urbana-Champaign Hip-Hop Congress and Floor Lovers Illinois. Check out the MC showcase Tuesday, April 1, swing by Canopy Friday (April 4) to hear some sick beats, ill rhymes and brilliant spoken word by Jonah, then finish the week off with a breakdance competition and graffiti event (yes, people still break dance. Break dancing is not a “thing of the 80s”).
If any of the following apply to you, this event was made with you in mind:
- You think Hip-Hop is Dead (and buried 6-feet under)
- You think watching people break dance is cool
- You appreciate the brilliance of hip-hop
- You see graffiti as art
- You want to learn more about hip-hop culture
- You live in Champaign or Urbana
Take a few minutes this week to open your eyes and ears and listen to what Hip-Hop has to say.
Here’s a full rundown of how it’s going to go down this week:
April 1
What’s happening: “A New Dope”
The rundown: An MC Showcase (acts = Science Ninja Team, Nato Caliph, Text, Jonah, AMS, & Braille)
Location: BASIC House, 1008 S. Lincoln Ave.
Time: 7 p.m.
April 3
What’s happening: “The Mic Strikes Back”
The rundown: acts = S-Preme & the UCHH All-Stars, Twilight Sentinels, Asthmatic MCs, Text/Jonah/Cornbread/Krukid with the Sugargliders, Organic Flow, AMS, Braille, Ro-Knew, Robust, Astonish, & Verbal Kent.
Location: Canopy Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
April 4
What’s happening: “Revenge of the DJ”
The rundown: acts = FRZA, Low End Theorists, Bozak, Limbs, D-Lo, & Spinnerty
Location: Illini Media Company, 512. E. Green St., Champaign
Time: 8 p.m.
April 5
What’s happening: “IL Breaks V”
The rundown: breakdance competition
Location: Illini Union ballroom
Time: 5 p.m
April 6
What’s happening: “Rust-Oleum Requiem”
Location: Art and Design Building
Time: 11 a.m.
What: Graffiti event
For more information on UC Hip-Hop Congress, Floor Lovers Illinois or Hip-Hop Appreciation week, visit uchiphop.com.
