The Tallahassee student community is on the music scene. Students across the campuses of Florida A&M and Florida State are rekindling the origins of hip-hop to people in the area.
The humble beginnings of the musical genre known as hip-hop, are rooted in the Bronx, N.Y. Kool Dj Herc, hailing from Kingston, Jamaica, introduced it more than 25 years ago.
He brought the original base of the term and the sound of what hip-hop is today.
From hip-hop’s inception, it has undergone astounding evolutions. The musical culture, break-dancing, rap, graffiti, and the disc jockey, has evolved to a place where money dictates radio play.
Unhappy with the current state of hip-hop, a team of collegiate students created “Hollis Ave”, a local event that features local hip-hop artists, DJs and MCs.
“Hollis Ave is the street Run DMC grew up on but today, it is a place where people can come to experience hip-hop culture and be free from the common night in Tallahassee,” said Rufat Agayey, a upcoming hip-hop artist.
The 22-year-old senior at Florida State University of Azerbaijan and Armenian decent has been rapping since he was 13 and performing since he was 14 years old.
“Hip-hop can still be used to start a revolution here and now. I hope to generate hip-hop’s culture throughout the city of Tallahassee,” Agayey said.
Rufat’s inspiration is drawn from legends like Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Malcolm X, Thelonious Monk, Scott Walker and Jim Henson. All have inspired him to think far left.
“After The Smoke” is another rising hip-hop group.
These two men were raised in Fort Lauderdale and have a vivacious spectrum in their love for good music. Determined to deliver the “rebirth” of hip-hop to Tallahassee, “After The Smoke” said “hip-hop is where it all began, and it’s where we need to go back to.”
“Hollis Ave is an authentic hip-hop lounge where we provide a home for people who love good music. Hollis Ave features live performances, break-dancing, dj-ing, mc-ing and graffitti,” said Steven Pargett, a third-year public relations student from Los Angeles.
Pargett is the part owner of “TLH Tonight”, which is one of the promotional companies that hosts Hollis Ave at the Engine Room.
“Hopefully we can spark a chain in the community to embrace the musical culture as a single unit. And “Hollis Ave” will eventually become a venue for break through artists,” remarks Daniel Cardenas, also a senior at Florida State, who is head promoter and co-owner of “The Makers,”one of three promotional companies for Hollis Ave.
Common said he used to love her, but it is clear we still do.
He agrees that Hip-hop has influenced every generation, each in its own right.
To find out more information about “Hollis Ave,” visit www.engineroomsounds.com.