Wawa, the energetic rapper, actor, dancer, performer and teacher (who happens to be Deaf)
Warren “Wawa” Snipe was born Deaf, but he hasn’t let that stop him from reaching his dreams. The multi-disciplinary rapper, dancer and actor has traveled to over 100 countries, founded a dance company, and is fluent in several languages.
Wawa came to OCC last night to spread the love of what he calls “Dip Hop.”
We look forward to his upcoming video for the anti-bullying song “Vendetta.”
Wawa’s musical partner is DJ Nicar (who joined him on stage last night at OCC to perform the song “Vendetta.”)
Wawa was joined on stage by OCC ASL club member Chelsea (left) during his performance.
The Westcott Theater served up a dose of West Coast positivity with the anticipated arrival of Blackalicious in Syracuse last night. The group was founded in the 1990s by Tim Parker (aka Gift of Gab) and Xavier Moseley (aka DJ Chief Xcel). Gift of Gab had a health scare with kidney failure last year, so it was good to see him back on stage.
The duo was joined on stage by the Portland team Lifesavas, made up of Vursatyl and Jumbo the Garbage Man (who wore a “Less Drama, More Music” t-shirt).
Their hour-long set included the first Blackalicious single “Swan Lake” and some new material, including the song “Blacka,” from their upcoming album (due out in March).
Hip Hop Icon MC Lyte and Historian/cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson at Hendricks Chapel on the campus of Syracuse University.
In an intimate, yet lively conversation on Tuesday, rap icon MC Lyte and cultural critic Michael Eric Dyson dissected Hip Hop Culture: past present and future.
MC Lyte noted that the real raw Hip Hop lyrics and culture these days come from the slam poets, because a lot of them do it for art’s sake and not for money. She also noted that the corporate take-over of radio (and play-lists) keeps DJs from being able to break new songs like they did back in the day.
Dyson added that we must be careful not to judge with revisionist history because at the time groups such as Public Enemy (now Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famers) were once considered too black and too strong to be played on radio.
The event was co-sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the NAACP.
“Hip Hop saved my life.”
Eldred Harris, educator (born in the Bronx)
Get Up State (Mural)
Eldred Harris talks about the roots of Hip Hop.
Live Mural Painting at Cascadilla Street in Ithaca.
Jorge Pabon, aka Pop Master Fabel and a member of the Rock Steady Crew, talks about his experience in the early days of Hip Hop.
Pioneering DJ Grandmaster Caz meets with retired Ithaca ophthalmologist Ed Hart (right) at the History Center. Hart was one of the early supporters of Syracuse in focus.
Pioneering Hip Hop photographers Joe Conzo and Charlie Ahearn (right) visited Ithaca this weekend for Unbound from the Underground: A Community Celebration of Hip Hop Culture. They are pictured at The Tompkins County History Center where Conzo's collection of photos "Decay to DJ" are on exhibit.
Next week the elements of the Hip Hop scene (past, present and future) will collide in Ithaca New York to coincide with the exhibition of The Hip Hop Collection at Cornell University.
The three-day event will feature panel discussions, art exhibits and a concert series featuring Afrika Bambaata (see Dan Smalls Presents, Inc.). Of particular interest to SIF will be the talk by Hip Hop Photo-historian Joe Conzo (who also documented the Latin Music scene in the 70s and 80s).
For a complete schedule, click here. To brush up on your Hip Hop History, click here.
Khalil Kain, actor and activist, spoke at the Landmark Theater downtown to say we need to teach empathy to stop gun violence. Khan is a stage actor and is best known for his role in the Hip Hop film noir classic Juice.
Kain, who was the keynote speaker on a stage full of city leaders, talked about how his life was affected by gun violence and the work he’s doing in New York City.
Michael Childs, aka Our Reality, is a Hip Hop Survivor.
During his tenure in the industry Childs has been a manager, promoter, an actor, as well as a record label executive. He makes his return to the artistic lane with a solo venture called TGDOM, which will drop later this month.
The debut single You Are Here (Y.A.H.), is littered with a head-bobbin’ West Coast funk-style made popular by Left Coast players Dre, Snoop and Too Short. Similarly, Open Your Mind (and let your brain breathe) has an equally compelling bass-line, and features a guest verse by the silver-tongued MAG, aka Ken Hills, from Syracuse.
Say What quickens the pace behind breakneck beats provided by Syracuse’s Super producer Seth Marcel, aka Seth Bradford. This cut also features guest appearances by Mad Illz and Jus One. Along with Lyrical Phenomenon this section of the project mixes up a spicy, perfectly seasoned old school flavor that sets a standard.
Our Reality brilliantly blends two complimentary rhymes together in a Dr. Jeckyl vs. Mr. Hyde song called Double Frequency. It was a huge risk, but the flow is uninterrupted. They are separate yet equal, and at the same time the song is not too cluttered. A perfect sequel is I Am, which exudes a hardcore style very familiar to fans of Our Reality’s bold lyricism.
Rhythm of Life is a Dr. Seuss-type anthem featuring hypnotic lyrics and an enduring beatbox. Before you know it, you’ll be singing along. Rhythm’s familiar chorus has an infectious appeal that may blow up, but won’t go pop.
The final track is a freestyle collaboration with Seme Rock
TGDOM will take you on a journey to discover what’s next, new and necessary in the Hip Hop game. Our Reality has evolved, but he’s still relevant.
Syracuse Dance Project’s K-OS (not pictured) set up a breakdance battle at the Wacheva Cultural Arts stage during the Westcott Festival on Sunday. Although the clothes and shoes were retro, the moves featured a modern, acrobatic twist, with a slight hint of capoeira.
