Last Thursday, April 26th 2007, Guitar Center on E.14th street NYC hosted an incredible seminar/showcase. It was completely free and attracted some of the best in Hip Hop. All those slated to appear did come through and show love. The event was co-hosted by Dj Hapa of Scratch DJ Academy (founded by Jam master Jay R.I.P.) & the legendary DMC. Throughout the night, DMC expressed his passion and love for the the real Hip Hop creators and fans. He stated that he thought Chuck D was the greatest rapper of all time. DMC revealed his admiration for Chuck D and both shared stories of RUN DMC trying to convince Chuck to sign to Def Jam. Everyone listened intently as Chuck D spoke about the ups and downs of the industry, the current climate in Hip Hop, and utilizing multimedia technologies to advance your art. He also had a few words to say about the future of the music and the recent statements made by Russell Simmons concerning a ban on certain words within the music-
There was a great panel discussion with (pictured left to right) Large Professor, 88 Keys, Dru Ha and Buckshot from Duckdown Records, and DJ Jab the founder of Fat Beats on the merits of being an independent artist with 88 and LP focusing on originality and putting time into your beat craft.
The highlight of the panels was the interview and live sets by the one and only Grand Wizard Theodore (inventor of turntable scratching) and Rob Swift, formerly of the X-Ecutioners/X-Men. Rob Swift has a new DVD out, ROB SWIFT: AS THE TABLES TURN so grab that. Here are some highlights from their sets:
GRAND WIZARD THEODORE
ROB SWIFT PT.1
ROB SWIFT PT.2
Alexie F. and myself were in the house reppin' THE ZRO HOUR and doing the flyer thing. Here are some pics-
