Youth Radio - Topic: Hip Hop

Hollow Hip-Hop

denise — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:09:44 -0500

The following originally aired on KCBS.

By Deyante Newson

An innovative genre of music has now become watered down pop music. Hip-hop has taken a turn for the worst.

Nowadays, instead of rappers putting meaning into their music, many songs deal with how much money you have or how “tight” you are.

Back in the day originality and a social message was what made a song good. We had groups like Wu-tang and Outkast. They put out music that teaches or that touches you. In the song “C.R.E.A.M”, In Spectah Deck raps “It’s been 22 long hard years and still struggling/survival got me bugging, but I’m alive on arrival”. This song makes me think of daily life. Deck is letting us know that we shouldn’t give into our circumstances.

Nowadays we have artists like the New Boyz. In their first single they just repeat the phrase “You’re a Jerk” over and over.

The type of music you listen to defines what type of person you are. I want to be the type of person who is defined by music containing morals, intelligence, and wisdom, but that’s just not as available from many artists today.

Remix Your Life Wins Oaklandish Innovators Award!

maeven — Thu, 05 May 2011 13:31:06 -0500

In the past months, the Remix Your Life Project has grown into a Youth Radio staple, with a steady flow of youth participants making their way up the stairs, and onto the third floor 3 days a week, often at the end of a long day of work and school. The dedication and talent demonstrated throughout the project, and highlighted by the quarterly open mics which Youth Radio hosts, reinforced our commitment to Remix Our Community and through performance opportunities and free community events, remix how the Oakland community views both its youth and itself. In order to achieve our goal, we knew we would need a fiscal sponsor who truly understood youth leadership, the importance of uncensored self-expression and the Oakland community.
On March 29, 2011 we were ecstatic to learn that we had been selected to receive the Oaklandish Oakland Innovators Award. We knew that the “from Oakland, for Oakland” clothing company would be an amazing partner and we have every confidence that this partnership, and the generous support from Oaklandish, is a key piece in realizing this project’s potential.

For more about Oaklandish and the Oakland Innovators Award, please see below:
After years of public art, the Oaklandish brand of apparel was introduced to help support our ongoing calendar of free public events and the Oaklandish Innovators grant program. The civic pride-oriented merchandise is meant to spread "Local Love" while promoting awareness of our mission at large. Oaklandish is committed to encouraging the continuation of Oakland's "trailblazers' legacy," where trends are created and boundaries are redefined. 2010 marks the fourth year of annual grants given to organizations that are doing pioneering work in our community. The total grants for 2010 equal $30,000, which we hope to grow with community support. These funds are meant to offer recognition and support of programs that exemplify the values of innovation and progress in all areas of civic life, including arts, education, technology, and business.
Oaklandish has also won nineteen "Best of the East Bay" awards, including Best Public Art (2002), Proudest Hometown Merchandise (2005), Best Gallery Openings (2006), and Best East Bay Product (2008-2010).
Oakland has historically been a hotbed of renegade activity, where boundaries are redefined and trends are created rather than followed. To help encourage the continuation of this "trailblazers' legacy," Oaklandish has created the Oakland Innovators Award, a fund that offers annual grants to those organizations and individuals who are doing pioneering work in our community. This award is meant to offer recognition and financial rewards to local programs that exemplify the values of innovation and progress in all areas of civic live, including arts, education, technology, and business. The recipients represent a wide range of social interests and populations, and are not restricted by any political agenda.

This award was created in the spirit of those Oakland legends who have had a direct influence on global culture; Architect Julia Morgan, Martial Artist Bruce Lee, Musician Larry Graham, Dancer Isadora Duncan, Aviator Joe Fong Guey, Artist Mike "Dream" Francisco, and Director Russ Myer, among many many others.

"Nobody Knows Where The Bullet Goes" - Music Video With Anti-Gun Message

rgee — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:05:35 -0500

SUB, a local hip hop artist in Oakland, CA, worked in conjunction with composer and producer Howard Egger-Bovet to produce a music video about the 10-year-old Oakland boy who was shot in 2008 while playing piano at the Oakland music school. The music video is sponsored by the San Francisco Film Society. Howard spoke with Youth Radio about the video.

1) What is the process like?

The way we work is collaboratively. So, I determine the topic for each of the films. Then I create a poem and basic melody and hook for the song. Then, I meet with G-Koop who arranges and builds upon the basics to create the final composition. With the musical portion of the song completed, it is turned over to SUB who takes the poem and the melody/beat and transforms it into the song's lyrics that he performs.

2) Why was it important to include the young boy that was shot while playing the piano in your video?

The cast and crew were grateful to have Christopher Rodriguez appear in the video. He grounded the film in reality. Shooting a gun can have tragic consequences, never intended. This fact couldn't be more clear when you think of what happened to Christopher Rodriquez that day at the music school, in 2008. In addition, G Koop's friend, Dewey Tucker--a musician, was shot and killed on [Highway] 80 in 2010. Dewey Tucker also "appeared," through photos, in the film and his presence was integral in moving the story of the video along. Lastly, SUB's friend, Robert Walker, who appeared in the film, was shot in the leg.

3) What do you hope this video/ song can do for the community and young people?

It is the hope of those who made the film, including Michael Abela, the 1st-director; Mary Catherine Cutcliffe (associate producer), Barry Stone, (director of photography) and the actors: Cathy Leonard and Adrian Stovall that this video gives young people the opportunity to pause and think before you fire a gun. Learn from others' mistakes who forgot that when you fire a gun there is no guarantee that bullet will end up where you thought it was going to go. Better to communicate with words than with bullets.

Youth Radio's Jaylyn Burns Interview Artist Mac Reem

rgee — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:00:25 -0600

By Jaylyn Burns

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(download mp3)

Rap artist Mac Reem from West Oakland is an up and coming artist with T-Rex productions, and he is becoming popular throught out the Bay Area. He just won a KMEL.com contest with his song, "Quit Lyin In Your Raps." He has an album coming out on March 16th called, "Successful Failure." The album has 14 tracks on it that feature various artists including Fabolous, Scarface, and other artists. Mac Reem's real name is Karamon Harbin, and he is 35 years of age.

Something that makes Mac Reem unique is that he is using music as a pathway to reach his overall goal of making movies. Also, he doesn't confine himself to rap - he experiments with other types of music. He is currently working on a rock song. It's something new for him, but he is excited about the anticipated outcome. Listen to a Youth Radio interview with Mac Reem above.

Dance Passion

dwilliams — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:11:00 -0600

Since I was 11 years old, dancing has meant a lot to me. Dancing is my passion. I like to use my body movements to express myself. It takes total control of my body. It’s my everyday responsibility. If I don’t dance, I don’t feel like myself. I want to entertain the audience and to lure them to the craziness and intensity I’m giving out.

One song that makes me crazy and intense is called “down on me” by Jeremiah featuring 50 cent. The song is full of excitement. It gets me hype. I even hear the mini beat that can’t let me sit still. It makes me want to dance and sing along with it too.

Dancing wasn’t a choice for me; i dance because my soul tells me too. When I was young i found out a lot of interesting things about dancing. I have watched other performers dance and seen how excited and happy they where while showing off their moves. So I kept on dancing and dancing, because practice makes perfect.

When I was in 8th grade i had my first performance. I was so nervous yet I still had enough confidence in me. I was dancing to the song “elevator” by Flo-rida. I was under a lot of pressure but I was taught that when you perform you shouldn’t be afraid. I was also taught that even though I mess up I should not be too worried about it, because it’s how you deal with the pressure and overcome it. I’m curious to find out more about different styles of dancing. I want the chance to learn more about the world and others craft and skills. I also want to learn about its history in order to become a better dancer today. And as I keep on dancing, my skills will began to improve and blossom hopefully into my own style.

Mistah F.A.B. Reacts to Sentencing: "Not Another Oscar Grant"

ellin — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:06:33 -0500

OAKLAND-Hometown artist/musician Mistah F.A.B. acknowledges frustration about short sentence for BART cop, and urges youth to be mindful of their actions.

It's A New Day

ben — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:24:39 -0500

Skkkuuurrrt! *Park* Well well, isn't this a positive day ADP fans. It's almost too cheesy but screw it. We bloggers are always down to post violent and overly sexual videos, maybe we can get a little equality around here with Asher Roth's help. So here's to ADP and Asher's new video Luke Skywalkers for bringing some balance to the force.*Turning the key* VavavaFrooom!

Escape To Plastic Beach, Uh Yeah!

ben — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 14:49:24 -0500

*Recklessly driving into a blog* Skkuurrr! So if the Escape to Plastic Beach Tour wasn't crazy enough, now NERD is on the bill. So that means De La Soul, The Gorillaz, Little Dragon, Bobby Womack, and NERD in one tour whoa. Gods of Hip Hop Alternative, how have we pleased you? Tell us so that we can also have another Lupe Fiasco album. Sacrifice your comments to the mighty ADP and perhaps it will grant you another blog post! Furrrrrrooom!

Previously: Gorillaz’ "Plastic Beach" Album Artwork & Tracklist

Tour Dates

Oct. 5 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theater
Oct. 6 Boston, MA Agganis Arena
Oct. 8 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Oct. 10 Camden, NJ Susquehanna Bank Center
Oct. 11 Washington, DC Patriot Center
Oct. 13 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
Oct. 14 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Oct. 16 Chicago, IL UIC Pavilion
Oct. 17 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Oct. 19 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Oct. 20 Dallas, TX Verizon Theatre
Oct. 22 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
Oct. 24 Denver, CO Wells Fargo Theatre
Oct. 26 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theater
Oct. 27 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amp
Oct. 28 San Diego, CA Viejas Arena
Oct. 30 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
Nov. 1 Seattle, WA KeyArena
Nov. 3 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena

Holy Ghetto Ghosts!

ben — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:21:58 -0500

Skurrr! APD is all up on your hood with the first two episodes of the Spirits in the Basement web documentary. This series is directed by Angelita Mireles and follows the emerging careers of the most talented dark horses in the Bay Area music scene. These fools are going to be bigger than the Bible so check it out you losers and comment in that box or else! *Doing donuts* Froom!

EPISODE 1

EPISODE 2

Ain't Nothing But A Hiplife: The Birth and Evolution of Ghanaian Hip Hop

wilmer — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:06:52 -0500

by Dion Rabouin

ACCRA, GHANA -- On an unpaved road in Accra, Ghana, near the rapidly expanding West African capitol city’s center, Kwame Baah-Boakye pulls into his driveway in his mother’s 2008 Volkswagon Toureg. It’s got kente cloth seats with kente trim throughout the freshly cleaned interior.

Once inside his home, Baah-Boakye turns on the high-definition, big-screen TV in his living room to watch a soccer game he recorded on his DVR earlier – Manchester United against Newcastle. He sits down on a couch lined with another African cloth, surrounded by African statues, tribal and animal print pillows, jembe drums and other African artwork.

“My mom loves Africa,” he says with a smile.

His family may love Africa, but Baah-Boakye is not exactly a typical African. His father was an ambassador to the U.S. and he’s spent his life traveling back and forth between the two countries.

“I used to go to the states almost every vacation,” he says. “I would stay with my Godmother and my aunts in Virginia, California, sometimes in Houston. I had perspectives on both Ghana and the U.S.”

While Baah-Boakye represents a small minority of Ghanaians that have actually seen our shores, much of American media, style and music are currently shaping Ghana’s popular culture.

Baah-Boakye turns on the stereo. He’s listening the new single from a Ghanaian group known as V.I.P. called “Away.”

“If your girlfriend no dey do you well, * clap, clap, clap, clap * Away! / If your boyfriend no dey do you well, * clap, clap, clap, clap * Away!” goes the chorus.

It has a bass-heavy beat, but also features a background of African rhythms and drumming. The chorus is sung in a form of pigeon English and it features verses rapped primarily in Twi, Ghana’s most widely spoken tribal language.

The song is part of a genre of music known as Hiplife. Most Americans have probably never heard it, but Hiplife is quickly becoming the voice of not only Ghana, but much of Africa’s youth, having quickly spread to countries like Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.

The word Hiplife is a combination of the terms hip hop and highlife. Highlife is a Ghanaian style of music that includes elements of traditional African singing, European brass band music, Christian hymns, big band jazz and calypso.

Hiplife was created by a Ghanaian with a upbringing similar to Baah-Boakye’s, known as Reggie Rockstone. Rockstone’s father was a fashion designer, so he spent his youth traveling between Accra, London, New York and other fashion hubs around the world.

Hiplife was a new sound, but Rockstone’s first recordings were noticeably derivative. John Collins, a lecturer at the University of Ghana’s music department who focuses on African music and instruments, notes that despite its name, early Hiplife was ostensibly just an imitation of American hip hop and included almost no discernable African influence.

“When Hiplife came together it meant basically that they were still using hip hop beats from America, but the words were Ghanaian,” says Collins. “[Rockstone] said it was hip hop highlife, but in fact, if you look at early Hiplife, the highlife element of it in the music was nonexistent.”

Making a direct copy of American music may have been intentional, says Dr. Albert Awedoba. A professor of cultural anthropology at the University of Ghana, Awedoba believes that the practice of miming American culture in Ghana began in the early 1990s when Ghanaians had their first introduction to American culture.

“Ghana began to admit foreign TV material, particularly CNN, so what happens then is that people are now more and more exposed to what is happening in other societies,” he says. “They actually get to see the people, they emulate their dress pattern, the way they speak, so on and so forth. In the past that was not possible.”

The early ‘90s were also a trying time for music. Most Ghanaians had no musical training whatsoever because of governmental policies of the late ‘70s and ‘80s. During that era – what Ghanaian musicians refer to as the hardship times – the government placed heavy import duties on musical instruments and removed all music programs from the country’s education system. Ghana’s music industry collapsed almost immediately and Ghanaian musicians began to flee the country in droves.

When hip hop was introduced, it struck a chord with Ghana’s youth because it showcased young, black men speaking frankly on the struggles they endured. It also fit perfectly into the country’s musical landscape because it didn’t require any knowledge of musical composition or instruments.

After 15 years, though, the music has evolved significantly. According to Collins, there are now five definitive varieties of Hiplife being performed in Ghana.

There’s GH rap, which features mainly American style beats with lyrics in English and Twi; Raggalife, which combines hip hop with reggae; Contemporary Highlife, which is a return to old-style Ghanaian highlife music and often includes raps in Twi; Partytime, a style that’s similar to crunk, a type of rap popular in the American South; and Jama Hiplife, which incorporates traditional African drums, rhythms and singing with hip hop beats.

“There has been a change in Hiplife,” says Collins. “The musical side of Hiplife is finally being Ghanaianized.”

Ironically enough, it may be Hiplife’s “Ghanaianization” that gives it the potential to cross over into the world market. Baah-Boakye, who has grown up listening to both hip hop and Hiplife notes that the most noticeable difference between the two is the vibe they create.

“Hip hop in the states is serious,” he says. “I mean, you have your club songs, but rap is associated more with violence. [Hiplife] is just more about having a party, having fun, and about culture as well.”

In the early ‘90s Ghanaian music needed the tough lyrics and banging beats of American hip hop. Maybe culture and a bit more fun are what American hip hop needs now.

Additional Hiplife songs:
Sarkodie – Borga
Sarkodie - Lay Away featuring Sway and Jayso
VIP – Away
Ruff-n-smooth – Swagger
Obrafour – Ako