George Street is getting a serious dose of hip hop tonight as a Memorial University student group expands its boundaries to the city's downtown core.
MUN Moves, a breaking society led by Paddy Greene, Matthew Power and members of breakdancing group East Rock Crew, is throwing a "party with live entertainment," says Power, with the intention of spurring a resurgence in the local hip hop community.
"We're trying to mainstream it so people can enjoy a hip hop show and appreciate the art form and at the same time not have to worry about being alienated or feeling stupid," he explains. "Hip hop is relatively new within our social sect. There's always been a steady undercurrent of people practicing the different forms of hip hop but it's never really caught on, on a spectator or appreciation level, with the Newfoundland youth. People listen to it regularly and people practice it, but when it comes down to seeing a show, people go down to see alternative bands."
Tonight's event, "Canine Celebrities Party," isn't a concert, Power says, but a party with an array of entertainment, including performances from East Rock Crew, DJ Chef Hynes, DJ YELOW, MCs Live N' Direct and Myselph, and headlining act Ghettosocks, a Halifax-based MC.
"He's coming off a European tour right now," Power says in reference to Ghettosocks, whose real name is Darren Pyper. "He's toured the East Coast of North America and some Central U.S. states. He's been down to New York and he's pretty big in Halifax."
Pyper, also a member of Halifax hip hop group Alpha Flight Crew, was nominated for the ECMA's Hip Hop Single of the Year in 2007 and has performed at the Juno Awards showcase.
Power says throwing the party is also part of a bigger plan to change the local perception of the genre to something healthier and, if the group finds there's a demand for these events, it will likely organize others in the future, on and off campus.
"There's almost a stigma attached to hip hop," he says. "People think if you're white and you rap or MC you're Eminem ... it has a negative connotation attached to being in hip hop and being in Newfoundland."
Canine Celebrities Party is a new concept even within the St. John's hip hop scene, says Power, in that it's not intended to occupy a show atmosphere, but instead a big party with a steady delivery of one-two punches from all the performers involved.
The goal, he adds, is to make the scene attractive to everyone.
"There are a lot of hip hop events that go on in the community ... but they only get a good turnout with respect to their (sub)culture. We want to make it so that it's okay to go to a hip hop show. You don't have to be afraid of the culture."
Canine Celebrities Party takes place at the Rock House on George Street and gets under way at 10 p.m. Advance tickets are available at Hostile Clothing on Water Street for $5 or at the door for $7.50.
MUN Moves on George Street
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Published on
June 21, 2008
- Published on July 1, 2010
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Justin Brake
Events Campus hip hop society teams up with East Rock Crew for Canine Celebrities Party
George Street is getting a serious dose of hip hop tonight as a Memorial University student group expands its boundaries to the city's downtown core.
MUN Moves, a breaking society led by Paddy Greene, Matthew Power and members of breakdancing group East Rock Crew, is throwing a "party with live entertainment," says Power, with the intention of spurring a resurgence in the local hip hop community.
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- Crystal
- - July 2, 2010 at 14:48:53
I went to the show last night, it was wicked!! Props going out to DJ Chef Hynes for amazing work on the turn tables!! Awesome job to the East Rock Crew, and everyone else who had a part in the event!! Good job everyone!!
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- Crystal
- - July 1, 2010 at 21:30:33
I went to the show last night, it was wicked!! Props going out to DJ Chef Hynes for amazing work on the turn tables!! Awesome job to the East Rock Crew, and everyone else who had a part in the event!! Good job everyone!!
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