By Julie-C
Published May 4, 2007
Hip Hop Congress and Seattle University professor Dr. Mako Fitts have teamed up to launch the Seattle Hip Hop Community Survey. This pioneering effort is among the first of its kind which attempts to empirically identify the scope and needs of our diverse community in order to provide a well-needed research base for cultural organizing economic empowerment on the ground level with Hip Hop from a local to global perspective.
Students from Fitts’ undergraduate pop culture class will be setting up interviews and surveying 200 movers and shakers in the Seattle Hip Hop scene, artists, promoters, journalists, educators, youth organizers, activists, and advocates alike. Students will also be going to shows and community meetings and submitting write-ups for local Hip Hop news sources such as 206zulu.com. The survey is anonymous and collects basic demographic and occupational information, assessments on the quality and availability of resources for the development of the local scene, and asks participants to rank the impact of issues and concerns such as racial, gender, and sexual discrimination as well as police brutality in their lives.. As a staple principle of community-based research, the information collected will be publicly owned and utilized to aid in the development of initiatives that will benefit the urban arts community as a whole in the region. Data will also be offered as a resource for urban arts community-based organizations in the city to quantifiably measure the impact of their work and demonstrate its value.
The survey is, in part, based on the cluster-model used in a report commissioned by Seattle’s Office Economic Development called the Economic Impact of Seattle’s Music Industry, which showed that the core of Seattle’s music industry generates nearly 8,700 direct jobs in over 2,600 businesses, and 2,000 jobs in 335 music-related businesses at an average annual wage of $22,771 dollars per year. However, because the city’s report largely neglected Hip Hop as part of the local music industry cluster (I counted one Hip Hop promotions company out of hundreds of other sources), it failed to show the rapidly growing connection between the independent music scene and the youth service sector in the city that is more prevalent in Hip Hop than any other musical genre. By utilizing the insight and experiences of Hip Hop artists, educators, and grassroots organizers, the Hip Hop Community survey was crafted to represent the full spectrum of Hip Hop cultural production emerging from the region, demonstrate its impact.
The survey is also an important step to bridging the gap between community and the campus in a time where the status quo has academia eons away from the reality faced by Hip Hop artists, educators, activists, and cultural organizers. While the works of folks like Jeff Chang and Bakari Kitwana have provided an important historical and theoretical framework to validate Hip Hop studies in the academic world, the transition from theory to practice remains largely unrealized. Projects that connect students and academic institutions with surrounding communities in mutually empowering ways is a movement towards making meaningful use of the academic study of Hip Hop Culture.
To promote the survey as a model for Hip Hop communities in other regions, the survey its results will be presented at the 2007 Hip Hop Congress National Summit in Athens, Ohio, July 4th-8th.
Seattle Hip Hop Community Survey Launched
Seattle Hip Hop Community a Catalyst for Anti-Police Brutality Organizing Efforts
Seattle police department’s continual targeting of communities of color and lack of accountability for police misconduct and violence is at the forefront of organizing efforts in Seattle Hip Hop. In September of last year, Seattle Hip Hop pioneer DJ DV-One was assaulted by police officers attempting to inquire about his 14 year old daughter who was being detained. DV-One now faces felony assault charges and $15,000 dollars in fines.
Last month, emcee, spoken word poet, and teaching Hip Hop artist Rajnii Eddins was wrongfully arrested while trying to find out why his student was being detained. Rapid response from the Hip Hop and spoken word communities packed courtrooms in both cases, and has drawn widespread attention to the ongoing issue of police brutality in this city.
As a response to this outcry, the Seattle chapter of the NAACP hosted a community meeting earlier this week, where about thirty people gathered and formed committees for an action coalition around the issue. “What we saw at this gathering was an outcry of the brutality that has been happening over the years that has gone unaddressed,” says emcee and teaching artist Amanda “Beloved1” Cumbow, who is also the chair of the newly-formed communications committee. Beloved1 maintains that the greater purpose of the coalition is to organize the efforts and energies behind these individual incidents into a cohesive force. “We must present a united front to the politicians and the police department to get legislative changes,” she asserts.
The police brutality action coalition is asking for the community’s continuing input, support, and participation in this process. While the NAACP is an important ally in this battle, it was the voices, effort, and expertise of the people on the ground that has brought them to the table, and it will be that of the people who ultimately determine the extent of structural change that will come.
Important Update on the DV ONE Trial
It is unlikely we will actually have a hearing on our motion to strike the jury venire in DV One’s case Thursday May 3, 2007, when it was scheduled. Please don’t come to the King County Courthouse unless you get more information from me or Toby. The prosecutor needs more time to respond to updated data we expect to receive from the Sentencing Guidelines Commission about the rate of disqualification from jury service due to felony convictions by race. It may be heard on Monday, May 7, 2007 but I will write back to update you as soon as I know.
-Mike Clark
Please keep checking back here at 206Zulu or at DV’s Myspace page http://www.myspace.com/supportdvone for updates. We probably won’t know until the day before, which makes a show of support more difficult to organize, whether that was the intention or not is anybody’s guess. Please don’t let these tactics deter you from showing up! This is one of the most important events in the history of Seattle Hip Hop when one of our Northwest pioneers DV One will stand trial vs The Seattle Police Department. This will likely be a week long trial. If need be, please let your employers know ASAP as to which days you would like to take off to attend the trial. DV One will need as many supporters and participants there as possible.
The court dates prior to this one were important as well, but this will be the one that determines the fate of DV One as he is facing a potential Assault 3 felony along with a 5 year sentence and $50,000 fine. This is absolutely no joke.
The trial will take place at the King County Courthouse
King County Courthouse
516 – 3rd Avenue – Room E1202
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 296-9100
Fax: (206) 296-0986
TTY: (206) 205-5048
Below I have provided some useful information regarding the King County Courthouse: click here
Peace,
Mike Clark
Massive Monkees Day 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Massive Monkees Day 2007
8th Year Anniversary
Crew Battle for Trip to FSS 2007
1-vs-1 Footwork Battle
Special Guest Judges
B-Boy Remind (Style Elements Crew)
Lil Jon (HaviKoro)
Nemesis (Breaks Kru)
Special Guests
Fever One
Frankie Flav
Paulskeee
KLP Crew
Lone Star
DJs
BlesOne
DV One
University of Washington
HUB North Den
4-10pm – $10 – All Ages
OurStory
Massive Monkees Home Page
206 Zulu visits SBOC Middle School
On the late morning of Friday, March 30th, members of 206 Zulu hosted an assembly at SBOC Middle School in Queen Anne in coordination with El Centro De La Raza‘s Hope For Youth Program. The two 35 minute sessions brought in around 300 students. It was a success, as the students, school administration, and staff could be seen smiling, waving there “hands in the air” while being introduced to the culture of Hip Hop. The panel gave testament to their personal relationships and experiences as practitioners of Hip Hop. The underlying theme of the presentations illustrated the healing and empowering principles that Hip Hop has, while spreading awareness of Hip Hop as an international culture that transcends race, geography, language, age, gender, and social status.
Live Hip Hop and Breakin
April 1, 2007
Turner Productions and Street Battle Entertainment Present
Live Hip Hop and Breakin
Suntonio Bandanaz, Real Talk, The Elefaders, Mysterz of Ceremony, Flame-Spittas, Mind Movers, Truth & Knowledge, BYC and Pop Top Rising
See Sound Lounge
115 Blanchard St
Belltown, Seattle
9pm – $5 – 21+
Ursula Rucker
March 4, 2007
URSULA RUCKER
Featuring:
Christina Orbe
GreenTaRA
Art by Michelle Barkley
DJ gLoRy B
Invocation with Piece
Hosted by Christina Bell
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center
17th & Yesler, Seattle
8pm – $20 / $14 Seniors & Students
Gabriel Teodros “Lovework”
Artist: Gabriel Teodros
Title: Lovework
Label: Massline Media
Review Date: 2/26/07
Purchase: Lovework available at AMAZON.COM
Reviewed by: Jieshrae Washington
Seattle has generally been under-appreciated but respected by the underground Hip-Hop world. Cultivated in Seattle’s underground, Gabriel Teodros releases his long awaited album, “Lovework”, released February 24th on Massline Media. The follow up to the 2001 lyrical masterpiece “Sun To A Recycled Soul”. His unique voice, political views, positive message and insightful lyrics are unmatched by anyone to date. It features artists such as Khings Makoma, Toni Hill, Jerm the Hooligan, Moka Only, and Rajinii Eddins to name a few. Coupling unique beats with hard hitting rhymes “Lovework” is an experience both thought provoking as well as fun. The best songs from “Lovework” leave you wide open and anticipating the next gem. “..they don’t know me they just love what’s in their speakers, why we scared of women that could be our teachers….it’s just the freak in me or is it self pity?” from the song ‘Sexcapism’, powerful and reflective messages such as this strive to bring the listener to a heightened state of conscientiousness. Each song embodys the album’s title “Lovework” as described by Teodros, “work is love made visible.” unifying Old Skool with New Skool and wrapping it all in a blanket of Soul and Funk “Lovework is the mutant offspring of Hip-Hop’s evolution
Soulfully dealing with heavy hitting issues such as sexism, racism, cultural identity, and empowerment; Teodros clearly put his heart and soul into this album. In the innovative song ‘Chili Sauce’ (produced by Specs One and Amos Miller), Teodros explores patriarchy in Hip-Hop. Maintaining the mood set by previous songs Chili Sauce playfully dismantles the status quo of male emcees, expressing “every song on the radio is patriarchal…videos show sex and not really much more…..Hip-Hop is macho-bravado-ego.” Delving deeper still Teodros states “I struggle for love while still learning what it’s all about. You struggle with men till you just about kicked them all out. I fight everyday just to tear walls down so together we fight to tear the shitstorm down.” Providing a refreshing spin on self-reflection and general disappointment with social norms.
In the innovative song Warriors (produced by Amos Miller featuring Dj Wd4d) Teodros destroys misconceptions of women’s role in both society and Hip-hop asserting, “don’t believe what they told you remember this…. women warriors under heard stories of mothers, sisters, and daughters who rip mics and spit to survive keeping Hip-hop alive. You hold the force to change the world when you rhyme.” Delivered with passion and the utmost sincerity he further states “I want to change what it means to be masculine and see Hip-Hop grow to raise strong women lil girls who rip mics with the best of them…” a brief but lasting glimpses into the psyche of a male feminist emcee are strewn throughout the entire album. Making it evident that Teodros values women and the role they play in Hip-Hop. Teodros’ growth as a person and an artist is apparent as “Lovework” proves to surpass “Sun to a Recycled Soul” in content and production.
The “Lovework” LP is filled with serious, reflective topics done in a style reminiscent of jazz and soul. ‘East Africa’ (produced by Amos Miller) is an adrenaline-filled anthem reflecting on Teodros’ country of origin, Ethiopia. Teodros explores his identity as well as the political state of ‘Africa’s East’ reflecting on the loss of his mother tongue “used to get clowned for speaking with an accent so when I went back home I only spoke English, got deep in my reading, watched too much TV and lost the language…..it sucks.” following this reflection Teodros goes deeper stating “you think I’m safe out here but I wish I was out there with you cuz I question what can one song really do….10,000 of youth locked 100’s have been shot….” Teodros delivers a tall cold glass of reality. The song captures the feeling of unrest for an entire nation and brings Ethiopia’s struggle just a little closer. ‘East Africa’, is not the only song that addresses Africa in a thought provoking manner. “In This Together”, discusses colonialism in Ethiopia, “..they say Ethiopia is not colonized, Jah Rastafar I praise what would they say if they had my eyes……” ‘Third World Wide’ takes a look at the need for unity between the oppressed people of the world, i.e. people of color. “Still living like the third world even in the first world” All three songs are dope and people will learn to fully appreciate them over time.
While the average CD consists of 30% filler, sometimes more, there is absolutely no filler on this album. The album flows effortlessly from song to song, each song leaving a lasting impression. Today Hip-Hop LP’s usually run 70 minutes and have up to 21 tracks. “Lovework” by Gabriel Teodros is a tight album with 16 solid tracks that are strong enough to stand alone. Diverse in both style and topic, this album is one to be played again and again. Paying homage to Hip-Hop’s roots as well as giving an insiders look in the future of Hip-Hop’s evolution the “Lovework” is truly a one of a kind masterpiece that will sooth and satisfy even the hungriest of Hip-Hop connoisseurs. Pioneering the way for future Emcees, “Lovework” is to become an instant underground classic!
Purchase: Lovework available at AMAZON.COM
206 Zulu 3rd Anniversary
3rd Anniversary of 206 Zulu
Universal Zulu Nation Seattle Chapter
Celebration of Hip Hop Culture
Held in Seattle, Washington
This coming February 15-18th, 206 Zulu will be celebrating it’s 3rd Anniversary and Black History Month with four days of Hip Hop, showcasing some of today’s emerging artists from the Northwest and beyond! The main events, held on the 17th & 18th will be in conjunction with Festival Sundiata at the Seattle Center. Festival Sundiata is Seattle’s largest and longest-lasting (27 years) African/American cultural arts festival. This all-ages event is FREE to the public. In addition to the musical performances, 206 Zulu will host a break battle (dance competition), art/graff showcase, educational-orientated workshops and panels. Additionally, 206 Zulu will host a series of after-parties as well as Zulu Nation specials on local urban media sources to add to the weekend experience!! Come and be a part of Seattle Hip Hop history/herstory!!!
Performances include:
Alpha P, Canary Sing, Choklate, dRED.i, Felicia Loud, Flamespittas (LA), FRC, Godspeed, Khingz & Gabriel Teodros, Lojique, Melissa Noelle Green, Muridian, Odd Fellas, Orbitron, Page One, RA Scion, Rajnii Eddins, Real Talk, Rocket One, rogue pinay, Silent Lambs Project, Silver Shadow D, Sleepwalkers, Soul Merchants, Step Cousins, Universol (NJ), Waves of the Mind, What? w/ Daddy-O (Stetsasonic), Yirim Seck
DJ’s B-Girl, DV-One, Elefaders, Luvva-J, Ms Broadway, Spark (PDX), Seabefore, Sean Malik, Sureshot, Surreal, Tecumseh, WD4D and more!!!
February 15-18th, 2007
Thursday, 15th
Pre-Kick-off Event! – LoFi 429 Eastlake
10pm – $3 – 21+
Friday, 16th
Coolout TV – S.C.A.N. Ch 77/29 – 8:30-9pm
Hip Hop 101 TV – S.C.A.N. Ch 77/29 – 9-10pm
Kick-off Party! – Hidmo (20th & S. Jackson)
10pm – $5 – 21+
Saturday, 17th
Festival Sundiata @ the Seattle Center – FREE – All ages
Hip Hop Workshop – Center House, Workroom 311 – 2-3pm
Pavilion Room – 4-8pm
-Opening Ceremony / Inductions
-Break Battle Prelims
-Performances
-Art Showcase
Afterparty – Hidmo (20th & S. Jackson)
10pm – $5 – 21+
Zulu Radio – KBCS 91.3 fm – 10pm-1am
Sunday, 18th
Hip Hop Workshop – Center House, Workroom 311 – 2-3pm
Pavilion Room – 4-7:30pm
-Break Battle Finals
-Performances
-Art Showcase
KBCS Official Afterparty – SOULHOP
Neumos – 8pm – All ages & drinks w/ ID
Sponsored by KBCS 91.3 FM, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, 206 Hop, Hip Hop Congress, Seaspot.com, Temple of Hip Hop, Obese Productions, Presidential Clothing, Seattle Hip Hop Summit Youth Council, Music Inner City, Hip Hop 101 TV, Remix, CARA, Massline Media, Phiten, Wildstyle Technicians, Coolout TV, Mighty 4, Culture Club, One Family Inc., Umojafest & ROC TV
For more information, log onto www.206zulu.com
OurStory
206 Zulu Anniversary Home
Back To It’s Roots
November 17-19, 2006
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center presents:
BACK TO IT’S ROOTS
Written & Directed by Melissa Noelle Green
Friday, Nov 17
8pm Main Show Performance
Tix: $12 Adults | $7 Youth
Saturday, Nov 18
11am-4pm Workshops
– Politics & Social Change
– Impact of Reggae
– Hip-Hop Dance
-Impact of Fashion
– Women in Hip-Hop
– Music Business
8pm Main Show Performance
Tix: $12 Adults | $7 Youth
Sunday, Nov 19
1pm Art Walk
2pm Open Mic
3:30pm Fashion Show
5pm Competition
– DJ
– Spoken Word
– Dance
– MC
Tix: $5 Adult | $2 Youth
Featuring:
ISIS, Umeme, Vania Bynum, Komplex Kai, Naomi Rahn, J. Woods, Davey D
Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center
104 17th Ave S, Seattle WA