Hasan Stephens, aka DJ Maestro, Hip Hop Scholar and Radio Executive, during a lecture at Syracuse University earlier this year.
During recent trips to DMV-area (DC, Maryland and Virginia) and Philadelphia I had the opportunity to experience some diverse radio programming. It was particularly a treat to hear Hip-Hop pioneer Lady B doing a marvelous throw-back show called The Basement Party.
Today I read the DJ Maestro and partners will be starting an online radio vehicle that will enter the urban music market in the area. Labor Day is the launch date.
Below you can hear Maestro talk about the need for diversity in Hip-Hop music during a lecture at Syracuse University earlier this year.
Musician-turned actor Ice-T gives a behind music view of the rap game in the new documentary “The Art of Rap.” He spoke in a recent interview about the changes in Hip Hop and the evolution of MCs.
Below listen to the unique flow of Big Daddy Kane. Kane came to Syracuse a few years ago and is included in the film.
Abdul Karim Abdullah, a 2010 SU grad, and Cassandra, members of Be Great Foundation, address the students and crowd during the Save the Horn concert.
Here are some photographs taken during the Save the Horn concert at Syracuse University on Friday. Below find an interview with the concert organizer Kwaku Brown-Bonsu, a student at Syracuse University.
Rev. Run speaks about race in Hip Hop at Syracuse University
Rev. Run, spoke last night at Syracuse University in a forum about race, religion and Hip Hop. He was joined by fellow panelists Hasan Stephens (aka Maestro) and Don Sawyer, III.
As an elder statesman in the culture, Run said his job was certainly not to criticize new voices in the genre. He pointed out that artists, like people, evolve and grow.
Hasan Stephens (aka Maestro) dialogues with Rev. Run about radio programming’s influence on popular taste during the forum.
Here is a sample of Run talking about his transition from Run to Rev and how he can’t be one without the other.
My Adidas: Rev. keeping it Run (rocking sneakers with the collar)
With the strength of an energetic band and a sound full of Southern fried funk, the artist known as Wale,(pronounced Wah-Lay) rocked the stage at Syracuse University’s Schine Underground last night.
The new school Hip Hop artist, born of Nigerian parents, is making a name for himself (he was born Olubowale Victor Akintimehin). His impressive performance gave the (young, mostly white) audience an appreciation for Go-Go flavor that was made famous by pioneers such as EU, Rare Essence and Chuck Brown.The crowd seemed very familiar with WALE’s sound and waited somewhat impatiently for him to hit the stage. “We Want Wale!”
During Wale’s rendition of the Junkyard Band’s “Sardines” I saw a group of students, from either DC or Maryland, including SU Basketball player Arinze Onuaku, rocking to the Go-Go beat. (Didn’t know the big man could move so fast).
Thanks to the leadership of Joy Community Church in Rochester, NY for their decision to host the Gospel Hip Hop Festival last weekend. We finally got a chance to see Renewed Disciples and they were certainly a crowd favorite. In addition to the music, the festival stayed true to the spirit of the movement by including dance and graffiti art as well. We were particular impressed with the artists Sno and Oz, who were given an old van to serve as their canvas.
Thanks also to cousin Marcus, who told us about this event.
About this time last year we saw Byron Hurt’s film “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes.” The filmmaker and anti-sexist advocate (pictured above) recently came to Syracuse to discuss his film during a film festival at the Community Folk Art Center. We asked him if he got any backlash from the film and what was the genesis for the project.
