For over three decades, Hip Hop has been rapidly evolving, not only as an arts discipline, but as an influential cultural force, among youth of historically under-represented backgrounds. Despite it being recognized by the United Nations and the U.S. State Department as a culture, Hip Hop still struggles to find representation beyond the commercialized, mass-media portrayals of it's artistic practices.
Hip Hop has become one of the largest influences in youth culture around the world, however many wouldn't be able to tell you what the four main elements are, how it began, or even that there is a local scene. Like most musical genres, it has become commodified and has lost much of its integrity in the mainstream media. The music has become more about marketability and less about the craft. Hip Hop is being portrayed negatively by many artists who work in the element of Rap (Emceeing), and this negativity is usually instigated and promoted by the record industry and various other corporations who exploit the culture at the expense of the youth's state of mind and morality. The Universal Zulu Nation believes there is a difference in speaking out about negativity (activism) and promoting it as a desirable lifestyle. Our goal is to bring awareness that Hip Hop is an universal culture that not only entertains, but educates, unifies, inspires and empowers people of all ages of all kinds.
The Universal Zulu Nation calls upon the world to recognize November as Hip Hop History Month. November is significant in that both Zulu Nation and Hip Hop were started during this time (Nov. 12th, 1973 and 1974 respectively). Hip Hop practitioners and enthusiasts from around the world travel to New York City to experience these legendary Anniversary events (2008 line-up below).
This is also the time when we ask everyone to take some time to study and research the History and Herstory of Hip Hop, locally, nationally, and internationally. We have launched two new features to the site that will be of great resource. The first is "Hip Hop History" written by Kounter Kulture which can be found HERE. The second is "OurStory", a brand-new online Hip Hop encyclopedia very similar to Wikipedia.com. Click HERE or see above.
The Zulu Nation appreciates all efforts to preserve the whole of Hip Hop culture, including any days or weeks set aside to conscientiously appreciate Hip Hop, but would rather that all of these days and weeks combine to celebrate in unity every November. If you are planning any events in honor of Hip Hop History Month in November please let us know! Email us at info@206zulu.com
Acclaimed Rock photographer Charles Peterson is back with a new subject - the world of contemporary b-boying/b-girling. This Hip Hop dance form centers around the cypher (circle) created when dancers practice or battle. Bigger and badder than ever, bboying/b-girling has grown since its beginnings in the early seventies to become a global youth phenomenon today. Yet it remains a highly individualized practice - all one needs to get down are some beats and a smooth floor (and, of course, scads of strength, style, and brio).
With Cypher, Peterson takes a fresh look at this phenomenon with his own brand of fine art documentation: part Larry Fink, part Barbara Morgan, with a heaping dose of the spirit that defined his previous powerHouse monograph, Touch Me I'm Sick. He focuses not only on some of the most radical performances by today's most talented b-boys/b-girls but also on the fans, the sidelines, and the camaraderie of the crews.
Taken primarily with cumbersome medium format cameras, the photographs have the depth and resolution normally associated with high end fashion and portrait photography-even when the subjects are caught spontaneously in mid-air! Despite the awkwardness of the method, the photos have all the buzz and excitement found in Peterson's iconic images of the Grunge movement, with an added twist of unexpected elegance.
Cypher was shot over a period of six years, primarily in Peterson's hometown of Seattle, well as at major events over the last couple of years in Los Angeles, New York City, and Portland, OR.
Who's in the CYPHER?
Rock Steady Crew: Renegade, Jeskilz, ATS, DJ DV One, Fenix, Artson; Massive Monkees: Twixx, Juse, Iron Mike Brysen; Ready to Rock: Floor Phantom, Tyquan; Circle of Fire (Seattle): Seth, Orb, Mosez, Quest, Thagirl,Free; BYC: Eriko, Miami Nice; KLP Crew (France): Krimo, G-Rhum; Curfew Breakers: Simi, Fenix; Drifters Crew (Korea); Freshest Kidz Crew (Seattle, Portland); Gamblers Crew (Korea); Mortal Kombat Crew (Japan); Killafornia Crew; Rivers Crew (Korea); Caspar (Mighty Zulu Kings, Boogie Brats); Asia One (No Easy Props); Kid Glyde (Dynamic Rockers); A-B-Girl (Domestic Apes); DJ Scene; Dama (Unique Styles Crew); Hiro (Spartanic Rockers); Lazy Legs (Ill Abilities); Marcio (Soul Control), Frankie (Supeme Beings Crew); Rockadile (Battle Monkeys); Thesis (Knuckleheads Cali); Geom (Battle Born Crew), Juan (Dance Broomz), Mouse (360 Gun Battalion), Newtzybot, Lancelot, and more!
Circle of Fire Mondays, Nation, Seattle (2002)
Vera Project Battles, Seattle (2003)
Soul City Mondays, Noiselab and the War Room (2003-Present)
B-Boy Summit, Los Angeles (2006)
Rock Steady Crew 30th Anniversary, NYC (2007)
Freestyle Session 10th Anniversary, Los Angeles (2007)
Ashes to Ashes, Portland, OR (2007)
Massive Monkees Day, UW Hub (2007)
Spartanic Rockers Anniversary, Tokyo (2006)
and many other rec jams and club nights
Updates
-Zulu Radio and all KBCS 91.3 FM shows are now archived online! To listen to a recent show, click HERE, then select Zulu Radio in the Show dropbox.
-Check out 206 Zulu's original B-Girl, the illustrious OneSevenNine in an interview with B-Girl Bench.
-The next Zulu dance-off will be Winter Nights, December 20th at the Shoreline Rec. More info soon.
-5th Anniversary of 206 Zulu will be taking place February 13-15th, 2009 at the Seattle Center and other locations. Deadline for Performance and Sponsorship Applications are December 15th. Act now if your interested in participating! Click HERE for more information.
-Seattle Sound Magazine uncovers "Seattle's Mysterious Hip-Hop Clan". Click HERE to read issue.
Welcome to 206zulu.com, a multifaceted resource for Seattle, Washington and worldwide Hip Hop, news, networking, music, upcoming events, and community projects. 206 Zulu is the Universal Zulu Nation Seattle Chapter. With members from all corners of the Pacific Northwest, 206 Zulu carries the vision and commitment to unify, preserve Hip Hop culture, educate, and empower our communities.
The Universal Zulu Nation, or UZN is a pioneering force that has been in effect since the inception of Hip Hop itself (1974) and continues to represent and innovate while striving for worldwide peace, equality and empowerment. The four main elements of Hip-Hop are deejaying, emceeing, b-boying/b-girling, and graffiti. These elements can be expressed both individually and/or collectively and can benefit the community on both local and global levels. These goals however are by no means limited to the art forms of Hip Hop and we look forward to sharing information of health, social awareness and other human resources.
206 Zulu honors the memory of those within our Hip Hop community.
Featuring Ofrendas by:
American Friends Service Committee, Beacon Hill International School, Casa Latina, CARA, Community Gang Prevention, Guatemaltecos Unidos, Hope For Youth, Joyas Mestizas, Los Poetas del Monton, MAAFA, Nakba Coalition, Seattle King County Tobacco Prevention, School of the Americas Watch, Rhonda Gosset & Family, WHEEL, ZULU and more!
Event made possible by the generous support of The Norcliffe Foundation, Mayor’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs and Seattle People’s Fund
