LaShara Lashawn

With the fast pace changes of the music industry it seems like what’s hot will be what’s not within the blink of an eye. Music reaches millions but with the competition of staying relevant, viral sensations and trending talents it’s easy for genuine artsy to get over looked. So what about hip- hop? Real hip- hop as some would say. Hip-Hop includes Mcing, graffiti, Bboying (break dancing), beat boxing and of course the Dj. We don’t see enough of these components in one space.

The heart and art of hip-hop still beats true but where can people go to experience that real? Some San Francisco artist and creatives, the N.O.T.S. (Natives Of The Slaves) have joined forces to bring you the new wave of hip-hop while giving others the opportunity to showcase their talents as well.

After seeing a rarity in an available platforms for artists, entrepreneurs, MCs, and the like Art of Hip-Hop was created. In effort to provide a safe space for black creatives of the SF bay area to come together and network. With the economic climate of the Bay Area changing and the push of gentrification many natives are pushed out or left without an original outlet to connect to. With the advancements of technology and communication artist are able to grow a fan base, connect and put out their creative works with out the daunting experiences of waiting to get “discovered” or the legal formalities. Through the influence of social media and online marketing you can display and sell anything on line and grown a major fan base reaching millions. But what about the human and personal connection that is something that can’t ever be forgotten.

The date is set for March 11, 2019 and the venue is secured. Upon arriving the looks of the location certainly can be deceiving, sitting conveniently next to a gentlemen’s club and sharing the same building as a wine club on 1011 Kearny St. San Francisco Ca (@nodeworldwide). The street is moderately busy but there is no loud music blasting signaling any party or long line of people. Right out front is the man of the night, 1/2 of The Jealous Guys Ayinde (@yindetjg) who is watching the door along with security, socializing and greeting enthusiast as they walk up. A $5-$10 donation was requested on the flyer and without hesitation people provided their contact information and dropped their donation. On the inside collecting the coins with a smile is the other 1/2 of The Jealous Guys Casa (@casatjg). He kindly thanks people for their contribution and directs them to the event, which is located on the second level.

The music coming from the venue is rhythmic and captivating inside between the flow of lyrics and vibes the faces are just as diverse as the space. A vintage computer/ technology theme dominates the space giving it a very relaxed yet eclectic feel. Typewriters sit in spaces as centerpieces, several keyboards cover wall spaces and comfortable couches and massage chairs are strategically placed about. Eyes gaze over the space and all it has to offer as soon as they enter. The vibe is very laid back and inviting. The space is art it self, bombarded with the different pieces of art brought in by various vendors and creatives who are able to showcase their talents and merchandise. Drinks and good music keep the flow of incoming people moving about, looking around and socializing.

This is an entrepreneur and creatives heaven in the city, all at the Art of Hip-Hop. People mingle, net work, enjoy drinks as the dj spins local artist tracks mixed with top 40 Hip-Hop jams. Creative Magesticjune (@majesticjune_) gets on the mic to introduce herself and re introduce the event to new enthusiasts as they enter.

Magesticjune captivates the crowd as she talks about the event; she is definitely a powerhouse of talent. Being able to put together an event such as this in a male dominant genre is commendable. She stands no more that 5’3 yet has the biggest energy in the room.

In her promo video along with Ayinde for the event she brought the same energy and it resonated well with the crowd and sets the expectation of a night filled with good music, talent and creative pieces. Effortlessly transitioning into an improv game from MTV’s hit show Wild N’ Out called “family reunion”. People randomly get on the mic and create songs about themselves or others and the crowd loves it eagerly waiting to see what someone will say next. People nodded their heads to the beat and catchy improv lyrics different people recited out for a few laughs, this continued as the DJs switch as the highlight of the night was underway.

In the back of the room people enjoyed the vibe, talking, connecting or just taking it all in. It’s difficult to tell who is who there are no big entourages, big gold iced out chains, and huge muscle bound security to distinguish the big artist from a regular person enjoying the night.

Rapper Stunnaman (@stunnaman02) convinces two young ladies that it’s his first time performing. They both encourage him, wishing him the best in what they believe is his first performance. He gets their names and walks off as they call his name to preform. Stunnaman gets on the mic and takes time to speak with the intimate crowd of people. Before turning the space up he shouts out the two young ladies that he spoke too and went in full performance mode. Their faces in pure shock as he spits out his lyrics, confirming that he clearly tricked them for it wasn’t his first performance at all by the way he captivated the crowd.

Stunnaman surely stunned the crowd as he set it a blaze throwing water and going shirtless. The energy level of the crowd that was once so laid back was full of raging music lovers. Stunnaman preforms a couple of different songs encouraging a lot of crowd participation, even dancing with a young lady while preforming! At the close of his set he thanks the crowd and makes his way through, shaking hands with people who eagerly congratulate him. A slight intermission emits as Stunnaman clears the space. It wasn’t before long when the beat drops again and people loose their minds!

It’s hard to even see if anyone was even preforming or if it was just the music. More people crowd the space blinding those trying to get a closer look with all cell phone lights from people trying to record. Though it was hard to see it was evident that The Jealous Guys and Kaly Jay had made their way center space. People whom were once sitting down talking or having a drink while they looked around where all facing the front all trying to get a better view of the duo. Playing on the energy of Stunnaman, The Jealous Guys had taken it higher, people were spitting out the verses just as fast and bar for bar right along with them. Together, both rocking black leather jackets with embroidery and black jeans, they both have their own style. Brandon’s fast paced rhythm pairs well with Ayinde’s raspy sound together they create thought provoking, fun, up tempo lyrics that the crowd enjoys.

The night had really just begun and was only going to get better. People yelled and hyped the duo up as they preformed. It all looked so effortless, this being a very intimate setting as compared to a recent show in which they preformed in front of hundreds at Stanford University, this was a cake walk. Even though this was a much smaller crowd they still gave it their all. A few more performances followed and certainly kept the vibe flowing.

This event was needed and the amount of people in attendance was evidence of that. The doors were shut early due to the large walk up crowd as well as in effort to maintain a safe and even flow of people throughout the space. The energy level was high and it may have matched the high of some of those who may have partaken in some of @mynameschazz gourmet edibles called ONBEATTREATS.

A very friendly and knowledgeable baker came out to support the event and sell his edibles. He even showed his fun side, taking a break from selling treats to get on the mic and shout out his own brand during the “family reunion” game! The crowd went wild as he rapped about his treats and on beat!

Art of Hip-Hop can be appreciated because of all that it affords people. Music surely brings people together and the N.O.T.S. certainly accomplished that. There was no break dancing but the crowd surely didn’t miss a beat as they danced and nodded their heads to the music, no graffiti yet art was constantly present, people were given the opportunity to showcase some of their skills, as there were large pieces of paper available for people to sign/tag, no beat boxing but everyone surely felt the sounds of the base and rhythms flowing through the space. So if you’re in search of some new age hip- hop this is a great place to start. This group of creatives has broken way, providing a complete different experience contrary to the typical Trap Art or club/party scene. A more intimate and exclusive space for creatives of all sorts to network and have a good time, this is art in itself. This is the night Art of Hip-Hip was born.