It’s been 33 years since Kool DJ Herc threw the humble, yet legendary, back to school party at Sedgwick Avenue and Cedar Park in the Bronx back in August of ‘73. Playing back to back break beat records on two turntables and moving the crowd with his booming shout-outs, Herc single handedly planted the seed that would soon flower into what we now know as Hip Hop. That night in the Bronx, the tall Jamaican native unknowingly sparked what would become one of the most important cultural movements of the 20th century.

Since its birth, Hip Hop has grown from a lifestyle without a name to a world wide phenomenon, and a multi-billion dollar industry. With the help of mass media and corporate interests, the culture has slowly been reduced to a lust for bling, bitches, and Bentleys in the eyes of many. But for the real heads that are consciously aware, Hip Hop never faded out, and it sure as hell aint dead.

So this year for Hip Hop History Month, Philly’s got some celebratory jams in store that will make New York have to step up its game. This Friday, November 17th, at World Cafe Live Freshout presents Square One, celebrating peace, love, unity, and havin’ fun in the spirit of Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation. Giving tribute to the original graff writer, Cornbread will be honored with a special painting composed by local legend Mikey Madnez, who will also be doing a live piece at the show (check out the sneak peak, uncut interview here). Representing for the breakers, Chosen Dance Company will perform the history of Hip Hop dance, going through the different forms that have evolved over time. There will also be a freestyle exhibition on the pioneers of Hip Hop featuring I-Be4evr, The One Sun Lion Ra, The Mighty Third, and Transmute ANS. And for all the wax fiends, Marvelous Records will have crates of vinyl out for your digging pleasure. The show will be hosted by Break Bread Projects’ frontman Nex Millen, and there will be a featured performance by two of the rawest emcees around the way, Fel Sweetenberg and Poesh Wonder. Keeping the party moving all night with breaks, funk, and classics, DJ Phsh will be spinning alongside Rock Steady Crew’s own DJ Skeme Richards. The party jumps off at 8pm, so get there early! After the show, the official after party is The Zodiac, goin’ down at Medussa on 21st and Chestnut Streets until 2am with DJs Roxy, Lil Dave, and Lady Jae.

Then on Saturday November 18th, there is not one, but two jams goin’ down that are not to be missed. First, Freaks of the Beat is hosting Rhythmic Damage, a b-boy/b-girl battle royale for a $1,000 cash prize, at Houston Hall on 3417 Spruce Street at 6pm. MC’d by Ynot with DJ Skeme Richards on the decks, the show will feature crews of four battling it out for the cash and respect. Judges Lil Lep (New York City Breakers), Fever1 (Rock Steady Crew), and Philly’s own Hannibal (Realadelph) will decide who leaves the battle victoriously. There are 16 crews registered so far, so you definitely don’t want to miss this rare event.

Following Rhythmic Damage, 215hiphop.com is presenting the dopest producer/emcee showcase you’ll ever peep - Beats & Rhymes. Producers Fel Sweetenberg, Cimer Amor, Mic Paradise, and DJ Skipmode will be making beats right before your eyes. The party will be hosted by The Mighty Flipside Esq. (Electric City) and Elixer (Skratch Makaniks), and Nex Millen will be keeping things moving on the one’s and two’s. The show is goin’ down at The Khyber on 2nd and Chestnut Streets at 9pm Saturday November 18th, and if you don’t believe me it’s gonna be live, just peep how the last one went here for yourself.

And to close out Hip Hop History Month, make sure to get out to The Gathering, Philly’s longest-running Hip Hop event, on Thursday November 30th at 10pm at the Rotunda - 4014 Walnut Street. This month b-boy extraordinaire Raphael Xavier from Olive Dance Company will be the featured performer, showcasing his mic skills for a change. AIDS Crew will be holding down the live graff panels, and DJ Phsh along with the Commission Crew will be spinning breaks, funk, and Hip Hop all night. As always, it’s no cover, all ages, and all live!

33 years old is still a very young age, especially for a culture’s lifespan, so let’s keep the positive vibes movin’ year round to ensure Hip Hop stays around for a long, long time to come.

2 Responses to “Philly Celebrates Hip Hop History Month”

1. James Says:
   November 16th, 2006 at 4:52 pm

   This show’s gonna be bananas!!!

2. yew Says:
   November 17th, 2006 at 4:18 pm

   Can’t wait!!!

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