Lapiz - Con Su Cottorra Asesina!

Lapiz Conciente in the USA, tu’ lo abe!

After a long awaited arrival, Lapiz Conciente, also known as the messiah of “Dominican rap” arrived to the USA, specifically the Washington Heights area of New York City.

Lapiz, of the rapidly rising, Top Dollar Entertainment, entered Latin Hip Hop at the tender age of thirteen in Domincan Republic. However, was not recognized up until recently and along with recognition, he has revolutionized “Dominican rap” from the sandy beaches of the Dominican Republic all the way to the high rises of New York City. Receiving as much air time as any rapper in the states, his fame has exploded from the ghettos of Los Minas fans to a largely increasing fan base in the streets of New York City.

Although El Conciente has yet to receive due credit from mainstream Hip Hop overseers, he is well on his way. Even before his plane landed, his arrival was being heavily promoted through the streets of Washington Heights and other Latino neighborhoods in New York City by Club promoters, DJ’s and local radio station staff.

Fresh off the plane, Lapiz and his huge entourage hit the New York City club scene with appearances at Rancho Jubilee Restaurant in Queens and XBar in The Bronx on Friday night. Saturday night Lapiz had his first New York performance at The United Palace in Manhattan. Completing his first weekend in the city, on Sunday night he celebrated fellow label-mate Reynos’ birthday at Pacha Nightclub. And after a weekend of partying with Lapiz and Top Dollar Entertainment, I was able to speak to him directly, “nueva york ta’ pa mi. tu lo abe,” meaning “NYC is for me, you know!”

(The following article was written by myself)

A Diploma in Hip Hop

The domination of hip-hop culture among media and culture of mainstream America is rapidly increasing. With its latest influence on education and politics, the youth are shifted to a more positive path. Well known rappers such as Jay-Z, whose real name is Sean Carter, and Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, are aware of the importance that they have among the youth of society today and they are using it to motivate students to excel by promoting integration between hip-hop and education. With developments like funding for music in schools from various top chart artists, Carter’s new academy focusing on music, sports and fashion, and the DJ Project in San Francisco, the youth have access and better chance of striving for much more.

Jonathan Espinal, 19, is a product of the DJ Project in San Francisco, Ca. Originally from Washington Heights in upper Manhattan; Espinal was determined to make it into the music industry. As an only child, without the proper steering, he dropped out of Mount Saint Michael’s Academy at age 16 to chase his rapping dreams. The following year, after realizing that he was not excelling with his own motivation, he was introduced to “The DJ Project.” Espinal, who goes by the alias of Heavy Doe (his rap name), says, “I wasn't doing nothing before The DJ Project. It was like I dropped out of school for something I was getting nowhere with. I'm more active now, more serious about my life. We learn to make beats, use recording software, count bars, and learn about the business, time management and responsibility.”

The DJ Project is an arts entrepreneurship program built based on a hip-hop foundation. It uses the hip-hop culture to engage young adults in “the real world”, giving them opportunities to develop through a context that is familiar to them. Through programs including business management, audio and video production, job readiness training and community service, The DJ Project model is a creative learning experience for the hip-hop generation. Because most adolescents have a lack of identification with what's taught normally in the classroom and look more to their love for hip- hop without organizations like the DJ Project it can mean more kids dropping out or turning to the streets for education. The DJ Project even fulfills the roll of the school for students, helping dropouts earn their GED and guiding students toward job opportunities. As he fidgeted looking for comfort in his chair, Espinal admits, “school was never important to me, I don’t need no math or science to rap. The [DJ] project showed me that I do need that stuff and they helped me get.”

Youth are looking to today’s rappers, DJ’s and music producers as role models, and hip-hop is making itself more of a vehicle to education, and even multicultural awareness to motivate students to continue further with their goals. The musical importance of hip-hop is without question, but what surprises and excites people more is the impact that it has to serve the community and motivate the youth. From encouraging them to stay in school and pushing those to vote the leaders of this hip-hop movement have had major success. When asked what he thinks of hip-hop being more than just rap and urban fashion, Espinal states, “it’s moving, you know, it’s like it all started here in the streets, rapping and stuff, and now we could have the chance to change the streets without only spitting(rapping).”

Thirty years after the beginnings, and most prosperous times, of hip-hop, 2004 also will be remembered as a historic year for this music culture that started as a voice for street kids in New York and grew into a billion-dollar industry. Today it influences entertainment, fashion, and anything else that is cool and attracts youth. More recently it has been promoting school and while English textbooks may not include rap lyrics just yet, hip-hop culture has made huge progress in education. With thousands of supporters and contributors the new era of hip-hop in education will surely sky rocket.

Espinal, so far, has become representation of a lucky case- he was able to correct his own mistake of dropping out of school by going to California and entering the DJ Project. Although he still has many challenges to overcome as a young adult, with only a GED and some experience in the industry, Espinal has more potential and motivation to make it in more than just music. He says, “when I came back home after the DJ project it kept me focused. I already knew nobody's gonna push you to do it. It's on you to push yourself. But if you take it seriously, it can be your hustle.” With a few friendly giggles, he continues to say, “a legal kind of hustle. I used to run the streets or would stay at home and play video games. Now it’s different, The DJ Project taught me how to make money through music. Rapping and making money is my biggest challenge and dream.”

(The following is an article written by myself)

Who Said Dominicans Can't Rap

Backstage at SUNY Old Westbury’s annual fashion show, Avenue to Fashion, tired runway models and DJ’s discussed their views of the guest performances. While many were still focused on, well-known rapper, Fabolous’ performance a few people debated on the impression of the upcoming artists’ show. Among the four featured artists, was Daniel “Reynos” Reynoso. Along with being the heaviest performer in the Clarke Center, Reynoso stuck out among all the artists because he was the only Hispanic.

In an industry mainly controlled and owned by African-Americans, being a Dominican upcoming hip-hop artist is especially difficult. While hip hop is a huge influence for many kids growing up in his Dominican neighborhood, few venture to create their own style. As an only child growing up without a father, in the Washington Heights area of New York, Reynoso looked up to his older cousin who got him rapping at age 11, as well as popular artists at the time like rappers Biggie Smalls and Jay-Z. Now at 23, he struggles as he strives to make it as a rapper but he never loses faith that one day he and his entertainment team, Top Dollar Entertainment, will make the charts. Reynoso currently resides in the Washington Heights area of upper Manhattan, which is known to be dominantly Dominican and is surrounded by the inspirations to his lyrics. Modest about how much his neighborhood has influenced his songs, Reynoso says “There’s been a lot of negative stuff that has happened in my neighborhood but you learn not to make the same mistakes as your friends. It is a beautiful place to grow up in, but in every hood you’ve got a lot of violence. I’m still happy I grew up here.”

As a Dominican emcee, his attempt to bring his unique Latin flavor to the industry has been difficult. Formally signed Latin Flavor records, he is known for the additions of his heritage in his tracks. When asked why he prefers the style of a rapper oppose to a reggaeton emcee Reynoso said, “I can’t hide the fact that I’m Dominican. In a lot of situations it is a difficulty but to me I use it as my best asset. I want to be different but I know my style and this is what fits me. I could and do mix the two from time to time.” Currently signed to UBO records, which is coalition with Latin Flavor records, he is trying to differentiate his style from that of a reggaeton artist. Luckily, his versatility works to his advantage. “I’m known for the club feel, making you dance, but when people actually hear the hard touchy songs, they realize I’m good with that also. I can get on any type of mix tape from R&B to hardcore to dance mixes for the clubs. I can do it all, so I get all those phone calls,” says Reynoso with a flash of his perfect white smile.

On stage Reynos used every inch of the stage to keep the audience entertained. After his very energetic performance, Reynos breathed heavily as he said, “I’m very energized when I get on stage and I’m a big guy, ya know. People don’t think a big guy can run around the stage like that and give them a show so they really appreciate it. They like it.” Heavy Doe, a member of Reynos’ promotion team and an aspiring artist of Top Dollar entertainment, cuts in and says “we all big guys, but we gon’ make it just as big for the Dominicans.” Although he is known for his feel-good party tracks, Reynos is determined to make something deeper than just a club song. Reynos confidently describes his style as “Hot! Of course I write songs about having a good time and partying, but I also try to talk about real issues and life experiences and not just yap about things that don’t really matter. I always call my music “life music.” My music is like breakfast. The same way you need your breakfast to start the day, you need me and my music,” he says with a friendly giggle.

His music contains intense Latin flavor, with beats and rhythms linking back to the culture of his island and language representing his heritage. Reynoso says, “Basically, its who I am, I am Hispanic, I am Dominican, so of course you can hear it in the music. As far as hip-hop, there really isn’t any other Dominican doing it the way I’m doing it, so of course I’m going to stand out in that way.” His manager, of CMLB management, Lenny “Lboogs” Lora and his producer Jeffery “Jdot” Bautista, who are also of Dominican decent are working hard trying to prove that “just because his music isn’t black doesn’t mean it isn’t full of potential. Who ever said that rap has to be black?” says Lboogs. Bautista goes on to say that “Reynos’ style is similar to that of many paid rappers but he had a unique essence that we wanna bring out the Dominican community and introduce to the world.”

On many of the tracks in his album he gives off his Dominican nature, but specifically in track 2 “Yes I’m Dominican” he lists the factors of his heritage in his lyrics. On stage, reittering his song, Reynos vibrantly livens the crowd in the school gym and chants on the microphone “Yes I’m from the hood man, yes I’m Dominican! Yes I understand I’m Spanish, tryna’ take it there; Yes I understand that the industry is scared! ” Motivated by the crowd, while trying to prove a point, Reynos loudly repeats “Yes I’m from the hood man, Yes I’m Dominican!”

Reynos is taking his fiery blend of hip-hop out of Washington Heights in New York City, the tough Dominican neighborhood, to the forefront of the people’s minds. With his countless mix tapes and new album release “Reynos – Stand Up,” which features reggae king Elephant Man he will further prove his talent, as well as proving that Dominicans can rap too.

(The following is an article written by myself )

SOY LATINO!

As did the whites, Latinos emerged into the Hip Hop scene. But the question is , did the emerge ? Or were they actually there from the beginning.

Its a simple breakdown : Hip Hop was born in the Bronx. Puerto Ricans migrated mostly to Brooklyn and the Bronx when leaving from the island to New York City. The Bronx then became a borough made up of mostly Puerto Ricans and Blacks. These were the founders of Hip Hop.

So Latino's have always had a place in Hip Hop. Although, denied the credit and the acceptance, they have played a major role since its beginnings.

One of the only rappers to be accepted in the industry was the late rapper Big Pun. Said to be the greatest after , Biggie Smalls , he is known for his size and his flow. He helped found the Terror Squad, home team of Fat Joe. For the majority of his rap career, Pun was viewed for more than being a Puerto Rican boy who could rap, he was actually a talented artist and was recognized by other artists for that.

"In the late '90s, Puerto Rican rapper Big Punisher became the first Latino solo artist to reach platinum sales for an LP with his debut album Capital Punishment, which included hit song Still Not a Player. Big Punisher died in 2000, at the age of 28. Other Latin artists on the East Coast would follow and receive a great deal of support from Latino consumers including rappers such as Cuban Link, who owes his fame to Big Pun and the Terror Squad."

Despite their history in Hip Hop, and the few who made impact on the entire culture, Latinos have still found it difficult to enter the "Rap Game." And that in fact, it must be, because after the many years of proving they have got what it takes, they are still denied the lime light. However, it is NOW that Latinos have began to make a break through in Hip Hop.

White man can Rap !

For many years, Hip Hop belonged to "the black man." However, it was before long that the culture was adopted by people of other racial backgrounds. Hip Hop was founded in cities dominated by minorities (of Black or Latino background) and based on the lifestyles they lived.

Then came the "white boy" who wanted to bring light to his similar lifestyle, or the ones who solely enjoyed the music and adapted to the entire culture. For whatever reasons they had, the attraction of whites to Hip Hop culture only increased as it made its way into mainstream entertainment.

One of the first white rappers to recieve mainstream acceptance was Vanilla Ice. Vanilla ice had a short success but after his failure is when he can credit most of his celebrity life. Now a days, when you think of "white rapper" it is Eminem who comes to majority of minds. Eminem, real name Marshall Mathers, gained acceptance for not only marketing himself as a white rapper, but because he gained the acceptance from black rappers for being "real." The stories in his lyrics of his broken homes and his drug addicted mother and unstable childhood proved struggle knows no one color, and the white man can rap.

At first, Hip Hop was considered too violent, too vulgar and it was simply too much for mainstream but when it proved to sell, and to attract all races, it was exploited into the various ways it had potential to sell in.

The White rapper show, a reality TV show on VH1 about unsigned caucasian rappers, is an example of how Hip Hop is marketed to the white audience.

Gangsta Rap

Throughout the rise of Hip Hop, emerged different variations of rap. Gangsta rap became the most popular form of rap during its beginings. Some mistakenly consider all rap - gangsta rap. Whether it is or it isnt, it was distintively separated in the earliest days of Hip Hop. Gangsta rap which developed after the popularity of the relationship between rap and the street attitude and lifestyle.

Gangsta Rap has always been a subgenre of Hip Hop linked with huge controversy and criticism because of its promotion of drugs, sex and violence in urban city communities. Rappers argue that they are not promoting the lifestyle they live, they are only trying to bring light to it.; to make mainstream America aware of the reality of inner city life. However, controversy or not gangsta rap is what sells so it remains a mainstream music favorite.

"Pop-inflected gangsta rap continues to be successful into the 21st century, with many artists deftly straddling the divide between their hip hop audience and their pop audience, such as Ja Rule and Jay-Z. The influence of West Coast gangsta rapper Tupac Shakur on the East Coast rap scene has also become increasingly apparent in the new century."

(Click on title of entry for information on Tupac Shakur's death)

RUN RUN RUN

"Every turning point in American music has its originator, its progenitor, its King. The blues had W.C. Handy and jazz had Louis Armstrong. Swing had Benny Goodman and bebop had Charlie Parker. Rhythm and blues had Ray Charles and rock and roll had Elvis Presley. Punk rock had the Stooges and disco had Barry White. And hip-hop had Run-DMC – and always will, with their uncompromised vision and attitude, as laid out on their formative albums and singles, serving as the DNA of rap music for more than two decades and counting. "

One of the first Hip Hop groups on the scence, was Run DMC. Founded by Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Jason "Jam-Master" Mizell. The group had an impact on the development of hip hop through the 1980s and is credited with breaking hip hop into mainstream music. They were signed to Rush Productions by Russell Simmons (Run's older brother) then known as Russell Rush.

Now Russell Simmons is one of the wealthiest men in Hip Hop. Joseph Simmons, is a reverend but remains the face of Run DMC and has his own Reality Television show on MTV called Runs House.

A Way of Life

Hip Hop did not start as just music and as it grew it became more and more about the lifestyle that came along with the music. Hip Hop is not just a sound, it is a way of life. It is a culture all in itself. It is made of a type of people, who listen to a type of music, who talk a certain way, who dress a certain way and who are then viewed a certain way.

The culture of Hip Hop includes various aspects other than rap. Graffiti, DJing, Break Dancing, Baggy Attire, all come with the territory. They are all aspects of the culture that are influenced by or influence the music. They all work together to create a foundation that becomes more than music, they become an entire culture.

One of the most influential divisions of Hip Hop would be Graffiti. Some say it was graffiti that inspired the music and other say it is vice versa. In which ever direction, graffiti has always played a strong role in the culture from its criminal minded beginnings to its luxurious sales as modern art. It began as a way to mark territory but led to an entire way of life. Graffiti on subway cars was a language that only other graffiti artists could read. And like rap, you have to be apart of the experience to truly understand.

"Author Richard Goldstein from the Village Voice wrote an article that associated graffiti and rap music for the first time. He stated that graffiti and rap music's origins were coming from the same evolving culture."

Graffiti rapidly rose and spread all over the city. As expected, the city did not see this as art, they viewed it instead as defacing of public property, which in fact could be understood. The city had to spend huge money to battle the war of graffiti artists. As of today, the city has spent millions of dollars to end graffiti. But ironically enough, its being sold for up to that much as well.

(Super Famous Sprayer - Andy Warhol)

Breakdacing is another face of Hip Hop. It began when "breaking" was created. Breaking is the way DJ's stop and start music at a certain beat. Dancers with the ability to move to those broken beats are called Break Dancers. Break Dancing and Hip Hop have had a very tight relationship because it is because of breakdancing that another division of the culture is created, the attire.

In order to break dance, dancers needed to dress in baggy attire to assure comfort that was needed to move in the utmost creative ways. Since then, baggy clothes has been connected to Hip Hop.

Born in the Ghetto

The beauty of Hip Hop is that it was born in the streets. It is a form of musical expression that is tied to the the ghetto. The origins of hip-hop culture came from the Bronx, N.Y., during the 1970s. Battling the likes of longer existing and more popular music, like Rock N' Roll and Disco, Hip Hop was considered a phase for the moment. It was a music that embraced street culture, which was linked to criminal activity - gangs violence and graffiti defacement of property; so it was expected to never have a chance of prosperity. But the beat boys and the rappers kept hope alive, kept "spitting" rhymes in alleys and were the foundation of the underground hip hop revolution.

Hip Hop was not conceived immaculately. Born from Jamaican roots, Clive Campbell (DJ Kool Herc) brought the Jamaican sound system and art of "toasting" to the Bronx.

"In 1967, a young Jamaican, Clive Campbell, also known as DJ Kool Herc, came to the Bronx with knowledge of the Jamaican "sound system" as well as "toasting." Sound systems were gatherings of DJs and engineers who played music for entertainment. Toasting was when DJs or disc jockeys talked over the music they played such as phrases to encourage the crowd. As a DJ, Kool Herc linked the excitement of a crowd to the beat of the music."

As much as it was about fun, entertaining music it was about bringing light to a community of struggle; bringing hope to youth rebellion, and bringing awareness to the lifestyle of the inner city population. Hip Hop was not a phase it was the expression of the way of life for the young minority.

WORD!

Dedicated to the on going transformation of expression, also known as NEW MEDIA, I felt the most convenient way to show my understanding of "Media and Pop Culture" in two ways : proving my skills in a form of new media ( this blog ) and knowledge on a rising subject in Pop Culture - Hip Hop.

With that said, Welcome to my blog - my journey; exploring the impact of Hip Hop from urban society to mainstream, from black to white to Latino. See how Hip Hop began, flourished, transformed and recreated itself from its beginnings to current day.