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Hip-Hoppers Mind Their P’s and Q’s

June 6, 2008

On May 23, I went to the iconic Utopia Paradise Theater on the Grand Concourse to listen to three hours of hip-hop with no profanity. Imagine that: a hip-hop concert and no profanity. The poster used to advertise the event said it would be a day of love, peace, unity, kindness, joy, self control, faithfulness, fun and hip-hop. Performers included Bronx-raised Afrika Bambaataa, the godfather of hip-hop culture and the man responsible for the song Planet Rock – one of the most influential hip-hop songs ever made.

No Profanity

The event was held to celebrate a resolution passed in the New York Assembly the previous week, which declared May 23 “No Profanity Day.” Bronx Assemblyman Ruben Diaz Jr. submitted the resolution on behalf of Minister Kurtis “Blow” Walker, another famous old school rapper. “Not only do I think it’s important to support no profanity in hip-hop and rap music, but also its more important to support no profanity in everyday life because in our society, most violence starts with the way we talk to each other,” said Walker in a message on his MySpace page.

Walker also performed at the concert as did Grandmaster Mele Mel, Rob Base, Dana Dane, Grand Wizard Theodore, DJ Hollywood, Lovebug Starski, and the ever graceful Force MD with their strong and magnetic stage moves and lyrics. Spoonie G gives an energized performance and had the ladies screaming (including me). Grandmaster Caz, another from the Bronx, performed his song MC Delight and got me thinking back to the first time I saw him DJ and MC in Echo Park in 1977. “What great lyrical ability and style he has,” I thought at the time. (Caz was recently elected to the Bronx Walk of Fame and will officially be inducted on June 21.)

Those in the audience read like a who’s who of hip-hop pioneers and legends. I caught sight of T Ski Valley, Sparky D, Rakim, Pebble Poo, Yoda, Ek Mike from Crash Crew, Sal, Rodney Stone, Whipper Whip (along with other members of the Fantastic Five), and Cool Clyde, just to name a few.

The night was a big success. Our stars delivered an entertaining show that featured all the songs people came to hear. There was a positive vibe, good music, respect for that good music, and – as promised – no profanity.

By ALMA WATKINS of the Mount Hope Monitor

Written by admin · Filed Under Latest, News/Features 

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