By Kristen Hernandez
Black Genius in flight showcased an unforgettable Juneteenth “edu-tainment” event, “An Ode to 50 Years of Hip Hop,” at L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.
This unique celebration involved not only the progression of hip-hop throughout the past five decades, but also raised awareness of Juneteenth and the birth of African American hip-hop culture here in Fort Lauderdale.
“A lot of people still don’t know what Juneteenth is, so through events like this, we celebrate and promote African American tradition through art, through poetry, and through live performances,” Akilah Gibbs, secretary and board member of Black Genius in Flight, said.
Each of the organic elements of hip-hop were celebrated in separate stations, or “experiences.”
50 Years of Hip Hop – The Experiences – It Goes a Little Something Like This
The Parking Lot Experience and The Lobby Experience – Visual Art, Fashion, Photography
Local graffiti artist, Mars, created a rolling wall mural steeped in ole’ school lettering, colors and style. Graffiti has played a significant role in hip-hop culture as a means for poor and underserved minorities to have a creative outlet for their artwork, with just a few bottles of spray paint.
The rolling mural experience transitioned seamlessly into L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell’s lobby. A pop-up fashion show and blue velvet carpet lined the entrance way. Displayed along the sides were several artistic photographic images of young ones dressed as 90’s hip hop icons, Kid N’ Play and SWV.
Local photographer, J. Lash, created the still photo gallery of 90’s culture, which served to remind the younger generation about the pioneers who helped to shape the rap and hip-hop we know today. Lined along the upstairs lobby was a continuation of the photographic display, but with candid images of hip-hop superstars like Queen Latifa and Fat Joe.
The Belaire Experience – African American Culinary Culture and Economics
In a dedicated space lined with books authored by local African American writers, Black Genius in Flight created a banquet of good music, great food, cigars and top-notch liquor, which are all necessary when celebrating hip-hop culture. A stunning Juneteenth ice sculpture rose from the center of the room, overlooking the celebration while locals Leaned Back.
The Main Stage Experience – Physical/Aural/Oral
With just a piece of cardboard box, break dancers of the 80’s used their bodies to create movement that celebrated the ghetto. When the doors to the Main Stage area were opened, breakdancers were already spinning on their heads.
“With rapping, breakdancing, and graffiti, we artists had something to say,” Wildman Teddy T, Em Cee during the event and legendary on-air personality for Power 96, 99 Jamz and the current program director for Flo Rida’s Strong Arm Radio, said. “DJs were involved in the rap culture that blew up and is the reason Southern rap is where it is right now. It’s based off what was happening here in Fort Lauderdale.”
On the main stage, two of the biggest female dee jays in Broward County, DJ She-J Hercules from 99JAMZ and KaiDot from Hot 105.5, ripped the stage and scratched through the classic hip-hop era.
“Dee Jay-ing has always been a man’s world. It was important to highlight their talent, not only as the top DJs in South Florida, but also as women,” Wildman said.
Performances by local on-air radio personalities, Stichiz and KFoxx, had everyone on their feet. Before his performance, Prince Rahiem of the Get Funky Crew called for a moment of silence for those artists whose lives were tragically cut short.
“It’s about time to celebrate those times and those eras. I was a New York transplant, born in Queens, but Miami welcomed me with open arms,” Prince Rahiem said. “Give it up for the pioneers like Gigolo Tony because when we started, people started saying our music was corny and it wouldn’t be anything. But we were selling more records than they were. We fought hard to get our place in this hip-hop game.”
“Black Genius in Flight is about altering culture in Broward County,” Wildman said. “New York hip-hop artists were storytellers, and artists in the south were all about celebrating our lifestyle and enjoying life by having a good time. We helped to give birth to Southern rap.”
Wildman told Villij News that the African American Research Library was the initial location for the Juneteenth celebration. But three days prior to the event date, the library director pulled out stating a conflict of interest due to an upcoming July event with a similar theme. Black Genius in Flight stepped in, and at the last moment secured the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center. Although forced to downsize, the experiences were well formed.
Like the Sugar Hill Gang, hip-hop you don’t stop.
www.blackgeniusinflight.com
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