Diversifying Hip Hop-NYU 2010 Seminar
Posted by Bent Radio Jan 15th
Category: Bent Radio News
Tags: Hip Hop Homo Hop Leroy Moore NUY
The second Krip Hop/ Homo Hop seminar proved to be as informational as its first. The seminar brought together hip hop artists of the LGBT community as well as artists from the disabled hip hop community to discuss the visibility of both groups within the genre. Held at the NYU Kimmel Center for University Life, activist and founder of Krip Hop Nation Leroy Moore led the seminar with confidence and character as he presided over the event. Leroy who was born with Cerebral Palsy formed Krip Hop Nation shortly after he produced a three part series of disabled hip hop artists in conjunction with KPFA Radio in Berkeley California. Moore's quest to examine disabled artists visibility in the world of music today turned into what he called an "international project".
Unfortunately, I missed the film portion of the seminar where the Keith Jones documentary Un-Rapping Disabilities was a big topic of discussion. The seminar panel consisted of individuals representing both disabled artists and LGBT artists, who answered questions on the topic asked by the audience and Moore himself. Representing Homo Hop were Lester Greene, Soce The Elemental Wizard and activist hip hop group People With Teeth. Krip Hop panelists consisted of Kalyn from Wheelchair Sports Camp and Rob Da Noize Temple. Temple has performed and toured with the original Sugarhill Gang all across the globe. As a disabled DJ with Erb’s Palsy DJ Rob, is a veteran in the music industry of over 30 years that enlightened us all with his wisdom and experiences. The panel also spoke on the agenda of mainstream music, educating the community, their personal experiences so far during their careers, and what we as music lovers and independent artist supports can do to help our favorites become more visible in society.
Performances ended the evening and included a bit of spoken word by Moore himself. The Seminar hoped to educate, encourage, and enlighten attendees. No matter where or who it’s coming from if its good music, its good music. The seminar was a meeting of the minds, a showcase of talents, and informed us all in the words of Moore; it’s than just getting a label, its social justice.