Hip-Hop lives on in Kansas City

By: Mwai Malindi

Posted: 10/15/07

Every Sunday, from 9 to 10 p.m., one hour of alternative underground hip-hop plays on radio station 96.5 FM the Buzz.

Lately, the hip-hop scene has received massive criticism for its misogynistic, violent and downright distasteful content.

Often disregarded as an art form, the hallmarks of "sell drugs," "pimp hoes" and "riches" run rampant on airwaves across America.

These themes have been understood to generate profits for major commercial industries that distribute to local music stores near you. Late last year, rapper Nasir Jones' assertion that hip-hop is dead provoked dialogue among those concerned about the hip-hop message and business.

However, 96.5 FM's segment, Black Clover Radio, is making a different statement about the genre.

"Over the past two years, I've put a lot of old school, new school, a little gangsta' rap and punk rock. I decided to put a recap of everything we've gone through," said Mac Lethal, the show's host, during the Sept. 30 Black Clover hour.

Black Clover features music from Kansas City's emerging artists, as well as known artists from all over the country.

Mac Lethal is also among those at the forefront of the Kansas City underground hip-hop movement. A native of Kansas City, Kan., Mac Lethal is the champion of the 2002 Scribble MC Battle competition and a member of Kansas City rap band Rhymesayers.

He plays his new single "Makeout Bandit" from his upcoming album "11:11" that came out in stores Oct. 9. The critically acclaimed and highly influential jazz rap group from New York, A Tribe Called Quest, was also on last week's playlist, with their '90s hit, "Oh My God."

Sonically, underground hip-hop demands more experimentation with regard to its production.

The Black Clover hour allows for up-and-coming producers and beat makers to showcase their talents as they complete the sound with their signature beats.

Though not suited for a dancing crowd, the listener can expect to hear the unique sounds of a disc jockey scratching over a record, sampling, beat boxing and classic New York style turn-tablism.

These elements are seldom found on club playlists or in videos that receive frequent MTV rotation.

The underground hip-hop experience is in many ways universal. Conversely, the subgenre that is termed "commercial hip-hop" offers music from today's chart-topping artists such as 50 cent, Jay-z, Nelly and the like. Content wise, one can expect to hear lyrics about issues that are trivial, and often less socially conscious. However, underground offers the alternative.

Last week's Black Clover hour topics ranged from issues concerning politics, homosexuality, kissing girls, distaste for religion and keeping the peace in Kansas City.

If you wish to know more, tune in Sunday at 9 p.m. on Kansas City's 96.5 FM The Buzz.

mmalindi@unews.com