Hip Hop as a Movement Week

THURSDAY, APRIL 29TH

2010-04-21T08:38:00.001-07:00

Hip-Hop Profiling
In Collaboration With American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Featuring Attorney Erik Guenther

THURSDAY EVENING l 7:00pm-9:00pm l ON WISCONSIN ROOM @ THE RED GYM

Join us on Thursday, April 29th in standing up against "Hip-Hop Profiling". Sponsored by the American Civil Liberties Union-Student Alliance. Hip-hop experiences an inordinate amount of police scrutiny all throughout the country. Here, in Madison, the same sad story has never been more real. They won't let hip-hop freely walk the streets, they won't let hip-hop freely walk into bars, and they certainly won't let hip-hop perform where they want. If venue owners, bar managers, and local police don't want hip-hop in Madison, its simply too bad for them! We demand equal protection! Come to the terrace and enjoy a free concert performed by Madison's finest up and coming hip-hop acts. Show your support for hip-hop!

The event looks to raise awareness on racial profiling issues in Madison and how it affects hip-hop. In addition, there will be selected poetry performances followed by live music with Phonetic One, Stereotype, and more of First Wave's finest emcees.
ACLU's special guest lecturer who kicks off the night is Erik Guenther (listed in Marquis Who's Who of American Defense Attorneys from 2007-2010 and as the Wisconsin State Journal's top up-and-coming lawyer in the state).
ACLU and MCSC wants to show city of Madison that UW students care about hip-hop's future and more importantly, the issues of racial profiling that are currently seriously affecting our community through new legislation that will be discussed.

Click Flyer to Enlarge.

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To this event today!
(Click the Facebook Logo to go to event page)

MONDAY, APRIL 26TH

2010-04-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Media: Race in Movies

Featuring Frederick Gooding, Jr. of The Minority Reporter

MONDAY EVENING l 8:15PM-10:15pm l MSC LOUNGE

The Minority Reporters look at Hollywood from different angles.

Did you know that there is both Race and Hip Hop in your movie?! Prepare yourself, for this is the report that Hollywood doesn’t want you to see! This hard-hitting session provides a structured forum for analyzing the ways Hollywood consistently makes minority characters "look bad" at the expense of making white characters "look good" -- and guess what...? Hip Hop movie stars catch it bad too! Learn the science behind the six main character patterns for both minority and white characters (Yes! White characters!) and explore the reasons behind why "the black guy dies first!" as we break out our "Digital DJ" skills for a dazzling display of media clips, powerful images, biting humor and expert and insightful commentary. But we're warning you: after this presentation, you will never see movies the same way again!

Visit The Minority Reporter Website for more information on Fredrick Gooding, Jr.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25TH

2010-04-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Black History 101 Mobile Museum

SUNDAY AFTERNOON l 3:00PM-6:00PM l MEMORIAL UNION TITU

The Black History 101 Mobile Museum is an innovative grassroots based project that will exhibit museum quality Black memorabilia on neighborhood streets to college campuses and anywhere in between. The mission of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum is to recognize and celebrate the contributions, achievements and struggles of African Americans. There are over 1500 artifacts in the archives. Approximately 50-100 artifacts travel in a variety of different exhibits in the Black History 101 Mobile Museum. Some of the exhibits include: Great Black Leaders, Don't Call Me Nigger!, and Hip Hop 101.

For more information on the Mobile Museum, visit their myspace page at www.myspace.com/blackhistory101.

TUESDAY, APRIL 27TH

2010-04-08T16:25:00.001-07:00

MCSC's Block Party Extravaganza

TUESDAY EVENING l 5:00pm-7:00pm l LIBRARY MALL

Come join us at Library Mall to listen and party to Hip Hop.

More information coming your way!

SATURDAY, APRIL 24TH

2010-04-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

YOUTH CHANGE CONFERENCE
Saturday, April 24, 2010
NEW LOCATION! RED GYM, 2nd Floor, MSC Lounge | 11:30AM - 6:30PM | FREE

Currently, Wisconsin has one of the highest incarceration rate for minority, particularly African American, youth in the nation. It is important for local youth to be both aware of this epidemic and to learn about resources for overcoming the problem. By bringing students to campus and providing them with a series of workshops, students can gain insight into activities that can steer them away from this epidemic and encourage them to invest their time in self-fulfilling actions. These workshops will take place on Saturday, April 24, and will focus on identity education, as well as a series of art-based activities from poetry and spoken word to graffiti art. They will be lead by prominent artists from campus and the greater Wisconsin area. We look forward to continuing a tradition of a fun and insightful weekend and make an impact on Madison’s youth population.

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HEATBOX: A Beatbox Workshop
Saturday, April 24, 2010
INGRAHAM HALL, ROOM 19, 1155 Observatory Drive, Madison | 12:00PM - 1:00PM | FREE

After seeing Heatbox open for Janelle Monae, learn from the specialist as he demonstrates his vocal skills in combination with a loop-machine. The Twin Cities' human drum (and other instruments) machine will facilitate a loop-machine tutorial and discussion, answering questions from the audience. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to learn from one of the Midwest's hottest beatbox talents.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28TH

2010-04-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

FILM SCREENING
HOMEGROWN: HIPLIFE IN GHANA
7PM | WISCONSIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY | FREE

On Wednesday, April 28th, MCSC will be presenting a mini-film festival with films by Clenched Fist Productions. Clenched Fist Productions embodies the true spirit of hip hop, which is to build something that is powerful and useful out of what is seemingly impossible. CFP, like hip hop culture, continues to give voice to people who refuse to be silenced, ignored and cut off from the larger society. The films screened at the festival will have a focus on the international hip hop scene, highlighted by the showing of HomeGrown - HipLife in Ghana. HomeGrown documents the journey of Vision In Progress, the most famous hip-life group in Africa. A variety of short films focusing on various elements of the evolution of hip hop will also be screened.

FRIDAY, APRIL 23RD

2010-04-06T03:47:00.001-07:00

MADISON MEETS METROPOLIS: JANELLE MONAE

FRIDAY NIGHT ON THE UNION TERRACE | 9PM | FREE

PRESENTED BY MCSC IN COLLABORATION WITH OMAI

To say Janelle Monáe is unique is an understatement – a severe understatement.

While many other artists may only excel in one skill – be it as a songwriter, a singer or a dancer – Monáe tackles this trifecta with a confidence and a seemingly effortless ability to amaze.

But none of this is a surprise once you learn the Grammy Award-nominated performer's backstory.

Originally from Kansas City, Monáe's childhood was disrupted by the rough reality of a father with a damaging drug addiction. This caused the young girl to turn inward, creating her own world through her imagination – a skill she transformed into an anchor for her creative outlets later in life.

FROM NYC TO ATL

Monáe later discovered her penchant for music and the arts and soon found herself attending New York's American Academy of Dramatic Arts in hopes of pursuing an acting career. After becoming frustrated by the audition scene in New York City, however, she booked a flight to The Netherlands on a whim. But she never got there.

Laid over in Atlanta, Monáe felt a strong draw to the city's musical movement – after all, it is the home to Outkast and many other groundbreaking hip hop and R&B artists – and she decided to stay.

Her first musical foray in the ATL was to team-up with producer/songwriters Chuck Lightning and Nate "Rocket" Wonder. The three then formed The Wondaland Arts Society, which served as a musical collective, studio and Monáe's studio.

By chance, Monáe met Outkast's Big Boi at a local music event. Big Boi took to the soulful songstress and she earned her place on his “Got Purp? Vol. II” mixtape and on two songs on Outkast's musical film soundtrack for Idlewood. The two later collaborated on Monáe's catchy, quick and uptempo single "Tightrope."

Then, Diddy contacted her – believe it or not – via MySpace. Sure that it was a joke, she ignored his messages until Big Boi confirmed it was indeed the head of Bad Boy Records. Late in 2008, she was signed to the label and an amplified version of her debut album, Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition), was released.

"MANY MOONS" AND MONAE'S MUSIC

While her musical catalog to date is slim, it's very strong – strong enough, in fact, to earn her a Grammy nomination last year for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for her single "Many Moons."

The Metropolis concept project – the first in a four album story detailing the life of a soul-equipped android on the run facing the possibility of being turned into scrap for falling in love with a human – is an album that explores love, loneliness, different social classes and even slavery.

"Many Moons," like many of the songs on the album, is a fast-paced track that draws on elements of funk, hip hop and soul. Its lyrics speak of fear and what lies around the corner in an unknown world where your differences from others make you a despised and hunted target. Though spoken through the words of the android, the song resonates in truth and history.

Monáe's striking voice delivers these lyrics of heartbreak and fleeting hope in a powerful, almost playful cadence. One example of her extensive vocal versatility is "Sincerely Jane," where she bounces between short lyrical busts and ballad-esque choruses. And on "Violet Stars Happy Hunting!," she demonstrates an almost screaming style of singing that exposes the inner passion behind her work.

HER SUBSTANTIVE STYLE

Stationary isn't a word you would use to describe Ms. Monáe. From her videos to live shows, she moves almost non-stop in quick steps, using the full space of the stage she's given. Matching the song's sharp beats with abrupt movements, often in an implied android-like fashion, her stage show is akin to a high cardio workout routine. That said, Monáe is capable of slowing down to offer the thoughtful lyrics their due place and focus.

Visually, her style also stands out. Usually dressed in crisp, contrasting outfits, such as black and white exaggerated and augmented pant suits or dresses, her unique wardrobe choices also add an element of mystique.

With the combination of talent, drive and imagination she possesses and shares through her music, we may not be able to and shouldn't attempt to predict Janelle Monáe's next move or musical direction. We can only be sure that it will be unique in depth and intricacy.

Artists like Monáe are few and far between, often shuttered under the saturation of copycats clogging the airwaves and pop culture. Those who reach out and embrace her abstract style and addictive, soul-filled sound won't be disappointed.

Janelle Monáe performs at the Memorial Union Terrace on Friday, April 23, at 8pm.

Information for this feature was obtained from Monáe's website, www.jmonae.com, which also presents audio, video and updates about the artist.

By Steven Potter

ABOUT HIP HOP AS A MOVEMENT WEEK

2010-04-06T03:43:00.000-07:00

HIP HOP AS A MOVEMENT WEEK

Originally created by UW professor David Muhammad 10 years ago, the Hip Hop as a Movement Week event has seen some ups and downs over the years. But in 2007, it was brought under the direction of the Multicultural Student Coalition (MCSC), which has given it a steady and stable nest where it has grown and thrived.

"We want to challenge people's traditional notions of hip hop beyond what is on the radio," explains Isidora Finkelstein, an administrative member of MCSC who sits on the event's steering committee. "We want to show hip hop as an art [and] to encourage dialogue about what hip hop means to us."

To achieve that goal this year, MCSC has planned a conference to discuss Madison's African American youth incarceration rate – the highest in the country – along with identity education, a beatbox workshop and a mini-film festival.

Katrina Flores, who has been involved in Hip Hop as a Movement Week organizing in past years, says the events act as a springboard for discussions and action year-round. "It's a week of events meant to be a jumping off point for more action in directly addressing injustice and cultivating grassroots solutions," she says. "It makes you very happy to look out at the crowds of people, have one-on-one conversations, overhear amazing dialogues happening all around you, and see the next generation of youth participating in the culture and making it their own."

Finkelstein says she's involved in the week's events due to her strong belief not only of hip hop as a tool, but also as an agent of change. "Hip hop is hugely important as a catalyst and unifying force for the hip hop generation," she says. "First of all, it reaches a huge audience. In many ways, hip hop is a language in itself – it allows people to connect despite things that might otherwise divide them."

And in the end, she believes hip hop can be the unifying tool we all seek. "I've grown up immersed in hip hop culture. [MCs] have made it clear how hip hop can be a powerful means through which to tell a story and to have your voice heard," she explains. "I've seen hip hop cross the boundaries of cities, countries, race, class, gender to really bring people together."