#Rapacon2016

The role of a DJ is one of the most fundamental positions in a festivity. Right behind graffiti, they are the second element to the “genre of excellency” known as Hip hop. They set the mood, tone, and overall atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. The quintessential masters of mixing and spinning, they lay the “groundwork” for what is to follow. In a metaphorical kind of way, DJ’s are what the Declaration of Independence means to this country. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed by fifty-six delegates in Philadelphia. It has served as the foundation to all law and legislature, similarly to a DJ as the foundation to Hip Hop. 

The signing of the Declaration of DJ-Pendence event on May 12th made history like never before. It united DJ’s from the area, and other cities, to come together and sign their own framework known as the Declaration of DJ-Pendence, a law of the land created by and followed by these “Masters of Mixing.” While the Declaration of Independence had fifty-six signatures, the Declaration of DJ-Pendence had 90! A signifying act, next up is Rapacon, the ultimate event happening on May 29th. 

Founded by Curtis Sherrod, Rapacon is an all-day Hip Hop Culture conference that will encompass the many different elements of Hip hop, while also making history. For the first time ever there will be 126 DJ’s spinning at an event, breaking last year’s record of 125 DJ’s at the Apollo.  Besides DJ’s there will be rappers participating in a Rapathon, which is a non-stop rap cypher, which will feature clean and profanity-free rapping so that everyone of all ages can enjoy. In all, Rapacon embraces everything about the culture that is often shamed and misunderstood by individuals who do not understand what Hip Hop is or means to its followers. Each element of Rapacon goes hand in hand to create that perfect pulse to Hip Hop, and metaphorically speaking, it has been said that Hip Hop is the perfect verse over a tight beat.

Rappers from all over Philadelphia gathered last Thursday to audition for Rapacon which is one of the city’s most anticipated events. Rapacon is an annual 24 hour symposium which features various aspects of hip-hop culture. It includes a nonstop DJ marathon, hip-hop cosplay, entertainment industry panel, and many other attractions. The event also includes a nonstop cypher competition in which the best rapper receives a 500 dollar cash prize.

One of the most impressive lyricists at the auditions was “Knowledge.” He bases much of his style off of the fast paced tongue twister flow of hip-hop duo “Kriss Kross.” Yet, he is still able to incorporate his own unique style of word play. There was also another rapper named “Broccoli Head” who relied heavily on the ABAB rhyme scheme while focusing on rhythmic punchlines. During the auditions, candidates were placed in squads of four and asked to spit back to back for ninety seconds. Having never worked together before, the two rappers were able to freestyle off of one another in a manner that seemed effortless. This is the main objective of the Rapathon. By taking the battle aspect out of the traditional cypher, rappers can build, create, and elevate each other in their craft.  

One of the highlights of the auditions was when hip-hop legend, “Bahamadia” freestyled for the candidates. Bahamadia is a Philly hip-hop artist who has worked with many legends such as Lauryn Hill, Queen Latifa and Dwele. Over the course of her 20 year career, she has had a plethora of hit singles such as “Uknowwhowedu” and “3 The Hard Way.” The whole room fell silent as this legend of hip-hop “lyrically murdered” 32 bars in a matter of minutes. In a sense, it was Bahamadia’s way of showing the candidates how far they can take their skills if they put in the effort.  

In the same way, Rapacon provides an environment where an older generation, raised within the hip-hop entertainment industry, can uplift and empower the younger. For example, in the rap industry, there are too many artists who focus their efforts on the creative process of music production instead of the business aspect of it. As a result, you have talented young artists being cheated through contracts they don’t know how to read. Rapacon will feature an entertainment law workshop in which artists can schedule a sit down with an experienced entertainment lawyer and discuss various legal matters related to the music business. Artists can also work with recording professionals at the event and produce high quality tracks that they can add to their portfolios. Through Rapacon, local artists can grow themselves as creators, acquire the tools necessary to excel in the entertainment industry, and enjoy the many venues that Rapacon has to offer.  

Rapacon will take place at the Park Avenue Banquet Hall located at 4942 Parkside Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131. Tickets are on sale for 25 dollars and can be bought through www.rapacon.com. Do not miss one of the dopest hip-hop events to ever hit Philadelphia.