The sun has set on Hip Hop History Month 2006…

And a slew of inspiring events held throughout November has shown doubters that the culture is alive and well here in the 215. Fortunately for Philly heads the momentum will continue to pick up seamlessly into December without missing a beat. This coming week on Wednesday and Thursday nights, The Rotunda - home of Philly’s longest-running Hip Hop event, The Gathering - will hold two very important events that are not to be missed.

On Wednesday December 6th, Hip Hop for Palestine is going down to raise awareness and funds for Slingshot Hip Hop and Temple University Students for Justice in Palestine. The event will feature performances from some of the area’s most powerful spoken word artists and revolutionary hip hop groups as they drop knowledge about the Palestinian conflict that continues to rage on. Poets Jacob Winterstein, Taina Asili, Walidah Imarisha, and Carlos Andres Gomez will bless the mic alongside hip hop powerhouses S.O.N., Iron Sheik, and Mental Notes. Outside, artists Pose 2 and Kasso will be composing live graffiti burners. Supported by Freshout Media and The Heat 6, this event is all ages and contributions are accepted on a $5-$15 sliding scale. Make sure to get out to 4014 Walnut Street next Wedesday at 7:30 p.m. to catch this important showcase.

Then on Thursday December 7th, things will really get movin’ with the Philly King World DJ Championship. Lyrical assassin Reef The Lost Cauze and the legendary DJ Cash Money will have featured performances, and Philly’s own Lady B will be hosting. For the battle, sixteen DJs will go head to head, and whoever’s got the most skills according to the judges will leave with a brand new Rane TTM57 Serato DJ Mixer, a custom championship belt, and braggin rights as the illest DJ in Philly. So far, this is the list of registered DJs: Obi 1, King James, DJ Slice, Xotic D, DJ Rest, DJ Sparkle, DJ RzaWrek, DJ Shorty T, DJ Pac Midi, DJ Handz, DJ iLLumadel, DJ Battle Scarz, DJ No Frillz, Double E, and DJ Pski. There is one spot left, so if you think you got what it takes, register now before the list closes. The battle will be judged by Cee Knowledge (Digable Planets), Damon Dame Scribble (Daily News writer), Kyle Rosenbloom (co-owner of Medley Music), Malikah Love (esteemed Philly female emcee), Tune (Liquid Sounds), and Khaz (Illadelphia Hip Hop). Doors open at 8 p.m., the cover is $7 ($5 for Klasik Hip Hop Movement members and college students with IDs), and there will be live graffiti by Caezar and a record distro. complements of Marvelous Records, so get there early!

These two events truly illustrate the diversity and vibrancy of the Philly Hip Hop landscape, so clear your schedules for this coming Wednesday and Thursday night and make your way to The Rotunda at 40th and Walnut. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

One Response to “And it Don’t Stop”

1. Nahid Says:
   December 3rd, 2006 at 11:01 pm

   thanks for spreading the word about two awesome events!:mrgreen:

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