Hip hop and punk rock are as opposite as haikus and opera to the untrained ear. Although the two genres differ sonically, take a closer listen to the lyrics of politically charged hip hop and punk groups, and there you’ll find overlapping themes of societal disregard, poor living conditions, and corrupt government practices.
As early as the 1970s, cats like Afrika Bambaataa sparked a union between these two rebellious sub-cultures, welcoming the punks from Lower East Side Manhattan to the Zulu Nation gatherings in the Bronx. Although alliances such as these have dwindled over time, there are still artists fighting to preserve this unique culture mix today.
In Philly, The Mighty Paradocs have been holdin’ it down for the punks and the hip hop heads (and any other music lovers for that matter) for over six years. Fronted by the onslaught of lyrical jabs delivered by female emcees, Dirty Focus and Supercam, the Paradocs bring to the table a funky, punk-inspired hip hop sound that defies traditional music standards. Verses with postmodern ideals set the tone against the uptempo, yet rough backdrop created by guitarist Dr. Ell Train, bassist Prof. Jazz, and drummer Kung Fu Joe.
But me telling you about their music is pointless without you hearing the Paradocs for yourself, or better yet, checking them out live. In an effort to keep their movement alive and well, the Paradocs host two monthly events in Philly, focused on mashin’ up different styles and exposing people to new music: first Thursdays at the Aqua Lounge and forth Wednesdays at Tritone. Catch them this Wednesday as they warm up with a show at Tritone with Elliot Levin & Friends and The PoPo for their big show on the Ben Franklin Parkway at the Campus Philly Kick-Off this Saturday. The Kick-Off runs from 2-7pm, it’s free, and will also feature performances by The Procussions, Saves The Day, Fat Joe, and a host of other local and national artists and exhibitors - be sure not to miss this event! 
(Current Standing ~ 3 out of 5)
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September 26th, 2006 at 11:39 am
September 26th, 2006 at 4:23 pm
Psyched to see you guys perform at Campus Philly!
September 26th, 2006 at 4:25 pm
Thanks a lot… YEAH!
September 27th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
I gotta give props to Chris on this article. Very poignant and succinct, it explains exactly how one may feel about the Paradocs just after taking in a recent show like I did. It was refreshing to see how the Paradocs fused hip-hop with punk and expressed political and social views simultaneously. I’m feelin ‘em just like I”m feelin this write up.