New School vs. Old School

February 28th, 2010 | By Rumont

(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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How Can We Bridge the Gap?

While much of Black History Month has focused on the past (Old School generation), maybe it should focus a little more on the Black history that’s currently being shaped by the (New School) Hip-Hop generation. As its members enter our nation’s universities, the halls of corporate America and government positions, the Hip-Hop generation has the opportunity to make a positive impact in the Black community for generations to come.

It is no secret that the passing of the torch has caused friction and the creation of a visible generation gap within the African- American community. This gap can be seen in the differences that the Hip-Hop generation has with its elders Continue Reading

First Wave heads to Contacting the World 2010

February 25th, 2010 | By 608

(2 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)

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UW-Madison’s First Wave wins international performance berth

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s First Wave hip hop theater ensemble has been selected to participate in Contacting the World 2010, an international theater project linking young people’s theater groups from around the world in the spirit of creating theater across boundaries of geography and culture.

First Wave, the performance troupe of the UW-Madison Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI), is the only theater group selected from the United States to participate in the award-winning international collaboration, which Continue Reading

Crushin’ All Force

February 25th, 2010 | By Gigglez

(2 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)

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Madison’s Hip-Hop Dance Crew Takes Off

Few people understand the liberating and expressive potential of dance. Even less know how far it can take you, but that isn’t the case for Madison’s own Hip-Hop dance crew, Crushin’ All Force. In fact, they are so Hip-Hop and so crucial to the dance scene in Madison that the 21-year-old founder and choreographer, Bryan Mayberry, declared after reading the first issue of 608, “Why aren’t we in this magazine? We’re so Hip-Hop.”

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Rap Has Earned Its Place

February 24th, 2010 | By Piko

(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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Rap Has Earned Its Place in the Celebration of Black Music

Black History Month is about celebrating African-American culture. And while Black music is always a part of this celebration, rap isn’t always the most welcomed aspect of Black culture.

From its in-your-face, testosterone-fueled posture to its overly materialistic attitude, rap is often criticized. When it’s compared to the blues, soul and jazz music, some see rap as the bastard step-child of the Black music family. That said, there are some segments of rap that portray a less profane depiction of Black urban life. The so-called ‘conscious’ rap artists are often praised, but even they aren’t always as welcome in the Continue Reading

February 24th, 2010 | By 608

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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From Vices to Verses: A New Era of Hip Hop & Action

Three-day conference at the University of Minnesota to highlight the transformative power of hip hop.

From April 9 to April 11, the University of Minnesota will be hosting “From Vices to Verses” a conference featuring workshops, performances, discussions and educational events centered on how hip hop pedagogy, activism and culture can educate, empower and transform communities.

Organized by Voices Merging at the U of MN, along with University and community partners, the conference will focus on three central themes:

· April 9: “I Used to Love H.E.R.: Bring Back the Love,” exploring hip hop feminism and women’s Continue Reading