Local Hip Hop Shines

Yet another hot show popped off at the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty, Saturday, Sept. 11. And it had nothing to do with “Patriot’s Day.” For those who don’t know, the Shadow Lounge is located at Baum Blvd and S. Highland Ave. The Shadow hosts a variety of Hip Hop, spoken word, Jazz, Rock and other events weekly and has been at the center of the Hip Hop community in Pittsburgh since Justin Strong opened its doors June 24, 2000. The building is currently being expanded and should be completed in October. He told me, “It is amazing to see an idea that started on a napkin, develop into an actual venue,” and now has developed into actually being owned by a group of people through two separate companies. Check out shadowlounge.net for more information about the venue and a complete listing of their weekly and special events.

The reason behind this particular event was the presence of the spoken word songstress (and new mother) Ursula Rucker. She reminded this writer of Jill Scott and Angie Stone but with hotter politics and a more mellow and simple performance style. She has a somehow calming yet urgent presence that makes her musings on politics, the media, and more seem that much more pressing. To see other writers’ opinions of her performances and albums go to www.ursula-rucker.com.

The joint was jumping even before Ursula performed, thanks to the amazing array of local talent who took their turns on stage before her. Anyone who thinks there is no conscious hip-hop scene in Pittsburgh needs to think again. There were anti-Bush rhymes, anti-police brutality rhymes, and of course, revolutionary pro-love rhymes.

Soma Mestizo took the stage first and provided the background beats for the rest of the performers. Soma’s front person, singer Christiane D, was backed by didgeridoo, guitar, hip-hop drumbeats, and leftist politics, making for a fierce presentation. The first MC on the mic was DJ Brewer AKA Jack Wilson, the coach and usual host for the monthly Pittsburgh Poetry Slams, also held at the Shadow Lounge. He dropped knowledge and politics on the crowd. My personal favorite line was from the hook of his second song: “The sky is falling and the kids are running for the bunkers, but the doors are bolted and the kings are holding all the keys. I don't know whether to fight, forge, forage, or go fish, so I'll just bitch until the Earth splits, and I'm free.”

Jack Wilson was followed by Davu Ayomi, who told me afterwards that he has wanted to pick up a mic ever since freestyle sessions during lunches at St. Benedict’s elementary school in the Hill District. Davu had more of a love vibe that he delivered in a booming baritone voice. Continuing on the love theme was Vema, who had a sing-songy 1920s style reminiscent of old Blues artists or contemporaries like Erykah Badu. She said that she just “loves to be heard and loves to share love with the audience.” After Vema was Da Lioness, whose Reggae influenced spoken word brought up the crowd participation.

The joint was packed, and overall the event was yet another smashing success
for the Shadow Lounge. The crowd was full of energy, and each performer showed distinct style and ability that kept hightening that energy.

While this wasn't an overtly political event per se, the independent Hip-Hop and spoken-word community in Pittsburgh, as in many other cities, acts as a way to counter what we are being told about current events, urban populations, crime, police violence, etc by the corporate media. As a lifelong hip hop fan, this writer feels this is an important community to support, pay attention, and listen to for unique insights on life, love, politics, and movement building. To paraphrase a quote from the immortal rap artist KRS-One, “Hip hop is urban peoples’ CNN.”

- Jeremy Shenk