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

Screening of Planet B-Boy

February 22nd, 2010 | By 608

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With compelling characters and vibrant dance sequences, Planet B-Boy is set in the International world of B-boying – the urban dance more commonly known as “breakdancing.” Weaving between the vivid backdrops of Osaka, Paris, Seoul, and Las Vegas, unforgettable images frame the intimate stories of dancers who struggle for their dreams despite being misunderstood by larger society and even their own families. Planet B-Boy features electrifying dance performances and astonishing displays of power and grace, showing how a street dance from New York has evolved into an inspiring art form for a new generation around the world.

There is a free screening of Planet B-Boy at the Momorial Continue Reading

February 20th, 2010 | By 608

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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The March issue of 608 Magazine is ready to hit the streets.  Distribution has begun starting at the barbershops and will expand to full coverage throughout the week.  Go HERE to find a distribution location nearest you.

In this chapter, we celebrate black history and the beauty of Hip-Hop by creating a collage of perspectives related to these two concepts. We hope you enjoy, and we look forward to your feedback.

And as always, the 608 team would like to thank everyone for their support. Continue Reading

A Road to Redemption

February 15th, 2010 | By Ox

(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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Thinking back to when I started to pursue professional involvement in Hip-Hop as an artist and MC, I was unsure of the road ahead. I am a 608 alum, and that was the only scene I knew when doing my brand of music. Madison is an area where youknow your peers and what they do personally. And if you are doing something 100%, the City will embrace you off the strength of that. Getting shows, beats and networks to help build your brand can happen in the 608 without a manager or promoter. Madison has access, and it can be unlimited locally if you have the drive, determination and product.

With that said, I never thought I would leave the 608 arena, but I did in January of 2009. I moved to the Twin Cities to attend the U-of-M to further my education. I was confident that it would be easier for me to get on now Continue Reading