Take The Lead

Hip-Hop and ballroom dancing collide in Take the Lead, opening April 7th everywhere. But you don't have to be a dancer to take the lead -- check out how these teens take the lead in their own lives.

How I Brought Hip-Hop To Oklahoma

1 Comments » March 23, 2006

I love hip-hop and I live in Oklahoma. Yes, sure- get your rapping cowboy jokes in now. I'm used to it.

Actually, I've been trying to kickstart the hip-hop scene down here for years. We have a few dope emcees, and of course some wannabe posers dumped in, like everwhere else. We have a few clubs who have opened their doors to traveling indie hip-hop groups, once everyone involved - the artists and the promoters - realized that there's enough interest down here to support shows.

It was hard doing, though, and I was the main person who got it going. First I volunteered to spin some records at a popular bar/lounge in Oklahoma City (no names...they might be reading this!). They were expecting the usual pop records and local rock acts, which I did play. But then I switched things up and played a few "gateway" groups. Some Eminem here, some old school Beatie Boys there...

I kept moving the needle (literally and figuratively) over to the side of hip-hop, until I was playing some full blown Jay-Z and Geto Boys (gotta rep Texas!). I thought the owner would spaz, but he was smart enough to watch the reaction of the people there. They were digging it, and even singing along with the words.

Alot happened after that, but to make a long story short the word spread that Oklahoma City was now rap friendly. Since then we've had a parade of underground artists come through. So, Atmosphere....where's my check? Get at me.

-Derrick

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