From its humble beginnings in the borough of Bronx, New York, to the shining stars that continue to dominate the music charts today, the effect that hip-hop has had on the African-American community and music community throughout is undeniable.
Friday, November 10, hip-hop was celebrated at Cascades Park in Tallahassee. The 50th anniversary of hip-hop celebration was an effort to curb gun violence in the local community, presented by the North Florida Community Development Corporation.
Not only did legends like MC Lyte and Doug E. Fresh perform, but local hip-hop hero DJ Demp hosted. Although there was a slight disappointment with the absence of T-Pain, a rapper/singer and native of Tallahassee, his influence was felt throughout the night.
The night started with a medley of hip-hop classics and covers led by DJ Demp and DJ Lil Boy. The two took a trip down memory lane, playing the hit “My Boo,” which DJ Demp helped create as part of his time with Ghost Town DJs in 1996.
People of all ages, backgrounds, universities, and ethnicities were out of their seats and on their feet. “It’s a great feeling to see all the ages because hip-hop has changed and has evolved over the years from what it was when it first started to what it is now.”, DJ Demp said.
With the crowd warmed up, MC Lyte and her DJ, K-Rock, took the stage and set it ablaze, playing hits like “I Wanna Be Down,” “Ruffneck,” and “Poor Georgie.”
Never to be outdone, the Florida A&M Univeristy Marching 100 paid tribute to Tallhassee’s own: T-Pain. Classics such as “Bartender” and “Sprung” had the crowd singing along.
Finally, Doug E. Fresh closed out the event with his signature crowd participation scheme, “La Di Dadi,” and “The Show.” There was also a heartfelt tribute to those legends we lost along the way.
Forever immortal, hip-hop continues to evolve as a part of the community’s way of life. “It’s a culture, not just music [or genre]; it’s honestly a way of life. It kind of has evolved, and not everyone may agree with the way it has evolved, but I still think that it is a beautiful thing in essence,” FAMU student Dallas Kennedy said.
