A New Spin (Kentucky Kernel 11.09.06)

Lexington isn't just making country and bluegrass anymore: it's become home to a growing hip-hop scene
(Meghan Cain, Posted: 11/9/06)

Horses, bourbon and farms may be what come to mind when people think of Lexington. Hip-hop music and culture may not be. But that's changing.

Over the past few years, underground hip-hop has begun to emerge here, and more people are becoming interested in the music and the culture, said Amadeus Durbin, a local hip-hop artist.

"The town of Lexington is off the charts for good hip-hop music, and people are beginning to find out Lexington has talent," Durbin said.

Brock Ward, producer of the Lexington-based group Art of Covenant, thinks that not many people know about Lexington's hip-hop culture because it is underground. He said that there isn't much of a market for any hip-hop that isn't already on the radio.

"There is a huge artist base here in Lexington (that a lot of people don't know about) as well as a lot of activity outside of the main performance halls," said Ward, a human geography and Arabic-Islamic studies junior.

Fears about a weakening scene

Even though there is an alternative hip-hop scene in Lexington, a lack of support for the scene is causing it to diminish, said local hip-hop artist Marcus Richardson.

"There is a plethora of independent musicians, whether it be hip-hop, rock or spoken word," Richardson said. "There just appears to be a diminishing amount of support for such artists."

Richardson said a lot of these artists go undiscovered because of a lack of support.

"I fear the indie scene in Lexington is gradually disappearing," Richardson said.

Richardson says although he doesn't really enjoy the hip-hop scene in Lexington, he feels he needs to make the best of what is around him.

"I do feel that Lexington's independent hip-hop scene could be stronger," Richardson said. "But you do not begin making it stronger by focusing on the problem. You move towards a solution."

Other local hip-hop artists and DJs believe a lack of creativity is preventing the hip-hop scene from blossoming.

Evan Morris, a local DJ and M.B.A. student at UK, believes local hip-hop music needs more talent.

"There are so many directions that hip-hop can go, and I think that we are trying to follow the rest of the nation too much," Morris said. "We can make our own music and make it so it's something that's new and no one will forget."

Richardson fears that The Dame and Underlying Themes are the only two music venues for independent music.

"It is difficult to open people up to something new when there are only a handful of venues willing to allow local hip-hop artists to perform," Ward said.

Several local artists believe the only way to make people more responsive to hip-hop music in Lexington is for someone from here to make it big.

It would take a miracle for the people of Lexington to be responsive, said Mario Hughley, a kinesiology junior and local DJ and hip-hop artist.

"I think someone needs to get signed with longevity," Hughley said. "They can then speak about the hip-hop culture of Lexington to give it more exposure."

The importance of the music

The increase of venues and receptiveness of the audience are very important to local hip-hop artists, but even more important to them is, of course, the music. Music is the essence of the scene - the beats, the words and the message.

"The vibe of the indie hip-hop scene in Lexington is very laid-back, calm and individual, like it should be," Hughley said.

Richardson believes all artists should remain true to themselves and only perform music that says something to listeners and is true to their lifestyle.

"I play music that makes sense to me," Richardson said. "That is all. If I say it in a song, believe it to be true."

Durbin said he doesn't rap about what he doesn't know.

"I want to perform honest songs," Durbin said. "I think that is important."

"You have a big responsibility when people listen to you," Durbin said. "(You have) a responsibility to yourself and want you want to say."

Ward said that for him, performing consists of educating, interacting and having fun. The audience is looking at him as an artist, and he wants to set a good example. He also wants people to be able to interact with one another.

"What good is art if you can't enjoy it?" Ward said.

Looking to the future

Although all of the artists love to perform, many feel Kentucky isn't the best place to foster this pursuit.

"I don't think there is a lot of opportunity here in Kentucky," Dowell said.

Hughley struggles with the stereotypes the rest of the nation has about Kentucky as well.

"Well when you think of Kentucky, you think of horses, bourbon, tobacco, basketball and all of the music that that comes along with that ... country and bluegrass," Hughley said. "So it is kind of hard getting recognized as a legitimate hip-hop artist in Lexington."

Morris feels that performing in Kentucky does pose a struggle - though some great groups have originated in Kentucky, like Nappy Roots and local hip-hop artists CunninLynguists.

Durbin believes that since Lexington is growing and expanding at such an intense rate that it is acting as a turning point for change.

"Why can't music be a part of this change as well?" Durbin said. "I think it could eventually be a launching pad."

Durbin said he can't wait to see where the music scene will be in five years.

With all of the hip-hop artists and DJs in Lexington, it will now just take time and support to foster a significant hip-hop scene.

"It will happen," Durbin said, "and it will be a beautiful thing when it does."

Posted by: Lexington Hip Hop

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