Seattle Welcomes Hip Hop's First Ever VP Candidate
Wanna know why M1 from Dead Prez, Professor Griff of Public Enemy, Rebel Diaz and NY Oil are voting Green in this year's presidential elections? Meet Rosa Clemente. She is undoubtably one of the strongest voices in today's growing Hip Hop Movement, and if you didn't know, get your facts. The 36-year-old South Bronx native and member of the Grassroots Malcolm X Movement is an internationally recognized activist, scholar, organizer and journalist whose known for her commitment to change from the grassroots. When former Democratic Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney won the Green Party presidential nomination earlier this year, it was Rosa Clemente she named as her running mate. Come November elections, McKinney and Clemente will be the very first all-women of color presidential ticket in the history of the United States.
Rosa Clemente will be in Seattle from September 10th to the 11th. Wyking, from Seattle Hip Hop
Youth Council will be hosting a Power to the People Hip Hop rally at 4pm on Wednesday the 10th, details TBA. For more info, email wyking@gmail.com.
In addition to this, Rosa will be speaking at an antiwar rally at Westlake in downtown from 12-3pm on September 11th. For more info on this event, and for how to support the McKinney/Clemente Campaign, email jim@mckinney2008.com.
"The only way I can even begin to accept this nomination is that I must understand that I am just a vessel, a representative of the work of an entire generation, the Hip-Hop radical activist movement. I stand on the shoulders of a generation of young people of color that are united, that clearly understand that we are suffering form structural racism, institutional racism and capitalism."
-Rosa Clemente July 2008
206 Zulu brings DMC's to the West Coast August 8th, 2008
An energetic crowd of about one hundred packed the front of the Vera Project, Seattle's all-ages venue last Friday, August 8th. Cheering in synchronism, the focal point for this particular night was not the emcee or the rapper, but the deejay. After a two year sabbatical from Seattle, the DMC had finally returned...
For the last 25 years the DMC , originally known as the "Disco Mix Club Show", has helped lay the foundation for deejaying and turntablist culture. Disc jockey veteran Tony Prince (UK) would take his internationally recognized radio show to new heights with the introduction of the DMC's, and in 1983 began to service DJ's with the first record subscription club. Shortly after the DMC would continue to break boundaries with the launch of the Mixmag publication, as well as the world's first licensed DJ-only record label. With its roots in nearly every facet of deejaying culture in Europe, the DMC would expand its influence around the globe with the debut of the annual World DJ Championships, starting in 1985. Since then, the DMC's have flourished with branches in over 40 countries, and have subsequently been responsible for catapulting many successful careers within and around the music, club, and radio industries. Today, this competition not only brings legitimacy to turntablism as a creative and viable art form, but continues to set the standard in showcasing the genre's excellence.
Yet once again the art of turntablism has slowly dwindled in the public eye. Some correlate it with corporate-owned media entities such as Clear Channel, who controls over 80 percent of the United States' radio, along with programming and creative control that the deejays once had. Another speculation is the invent of Serato, a program that enables the DJ to manipulate digital audio files using special time code vinyl records. Serato, and similar technology makes it more appealing for deejays to get into the club scene, and away from the turntablist/battle circuit.
Despite the decline in turntablism's visibility in the industry, there are many who continue to preserve and elevate the art form- such as Christie-Z of Tools of War, a Hip Hop organizer from New York City. This year Christie-Z works hard to bring the DMC World DJ Championships to new heights as she returns as the U.S. event coordinator. Two weeks ago the East Coast Finals boasted a large group of participants and audience members. Hip Hop pioneers such as DJ Disco Wiz, Rockin' Rob of the Mean Machine Crew (aka father of Flawless), Cutmaster DC (Brooklyn's in the house), and Greg Nice came to show support. Other legends including GrandWizzard Theodore (inventor of the scratch), DJ IXL, Precision, and Roc Raida participated as judges for the historic event.
Last Friday, Christie-Z teamed up with 206 Zulu to present the DMC West Coast Finals, an evening that will remain many minds for years to come. Contestants for this year's DMC West Coast Finals were DJ's J.P. Gunnz (Chicago/Seattle), A-Kidd (Chicago/Seattle), Disciple (Portland), Hot Tub (El Paso), DJ Shu-T (Brooklyn), Tek Threat (San Mateo), Mista B (San Francisco), Einstein (Bellingham) and D187 (Riverside). Seattle veteran DJ's E-Rok, Dyce and Tre were the honored judges who evaluated the DJ's performances. From the initial 9 deejays who performed a two minute routine each, 6 advanced to the second round (Hot Tub, Shu-T, Mista B, Tek Threat, A-Kidd and J.P. Gunnz), and 4 were chosen to advance to the 2008 DMC USA Finals this coming August 30th in New York City. The four DJ's to advance are Mista B of 4oneFunk (1st place), A Kidd (2nd place), Tek Threat (3rd place), and J.P. Gunnz (4th place).
Aside from the incredible talent that was displayed, no one was ready to bare witness to a 7 year-old boy named DJ A-Kidd who seamlessly mixed, juggled and scratched his way to second place! His proud father, DJ J.P. Gunnz will also accompany him during his trip to New York as the forth place winner! A first of a kind and a true moment in Hip Hop history! This coming September 26th and 27th the DMC World DJ Championship will take place in England- Log onto www.myspace.com/dmcusa and www.dmcworld.com to find out who takes the title of World Champion!
Special thanks to the event sponsors: Rane, Technics, Ortofon, Remix, Jones Soda, and Seattle Drum School. Thanks to Christie-Z, KazFury, DJ Gumbeaux, Michelle, and DJ Seabefore for making the event smooth. Thanks to Orbitron and the Freshest Kids for the ill emcee and breaking performances!
Zulu Jam featuring Afrika Bam! September 6th, 2008
Experience true-school Hip Hop at its finest, as 206 Zulu presents the next installment of Zulu Jam featuring the Godfather of Hip Hop culture- DJ Afrika Bambaataa!
Afrika Bambaataa is respectfully known as the Godfather of Hip Hop Culture as well as The Father of The Electro Funk Sound. It was Bambaataa who used music and art as a way to unify, educate and empower the street gangs of the early 70's in the Bronx, New York. This union Bambaataa initiated became known as the Universal Zulu Nation, Hip Hop's founding family and community organization. Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation are responsible for spreading Rap and Hip-Hop culture throughout the world, spreading the artistic elements of Hip Hop as a means for positive expression.
Also present will be performances from 206 Zulu, a unique blend of Seattle's new and old- Waves of the Mind, Silver Shadow D, Alpha-P, Specs, Orbitron, dance cyphers by BYC, Fraggle Rock Crew, and the Freshest Kids. The heartbeat of the night will be provided by DJ's Luvva-J, Tecumseh, Sean Malik, WD4D and Able. This jam-style event, held at the Nectar Lounge, aims to unify the elements of Hip Hop, bringing people together in the tradition of 'Peace, Love, Unity, and Havin' Fun'. Order your tickets early, as it will sell out!
The 2nd Annual Northwest Hip Hop Parade Troop, presented by 206 Zulu took place August 2nd as part of UmojaFest, the Northwest's largest and longest-lasting African Heritage Festival & Parade. The troop included a people's march, street dancing, and a graffiti-inspired float that housed Seattle veterans DJ's Topspin, and Roc'phella, who would alternate between party rockin' emceeing and deejaying. Aaron Walker-Loud of Big World Breaks and One Family, Inc. was an exciting addition to this year's float, as he played funky rhythms in-sync with the DJs. Another great addition was Ghetto Prez and the Block Teamsters Union, who rolled together in limousines and party buses. The sidewalks, filled with thousands of on-lookers cheered with energy, as the early-afternoon heat began to rise into the 90's. Hip Hopper's and participants of the people's march could be seen handing out black and gold beads to the smiling children.
All went well until the end of the mile and a half stretch, when an unknown driver who somehow made it into the procession was apparently "ghost riding" the whip and bumped the back of the float. An appalled crowd gasped as the music cut off immediately, speakers falling off of the float. King Khazm and Audio Poet began to beatbox calming the crowd, and within a few minutes the troop marched onward. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries and damage to the vehicles.
After the parade, the float turned into a stage in the large grassy fields of Judkins Park, where DJ Topspin would continue to spin Funk, Soul and Hip Hop throughout the day.
Special thanks to Kitty Wu, Spoken Visuals, Duo Tec, Spa Noir, Runway Botique, Rhozy, and Grant Allen for making the second parade troop possible as well as everyone who had paticipated to this historic event- thank you!
Local Highlights
-On August 20th, over a hundred and fifty people gathered at Nuemo's on Capitol Hill to witness BATTLE OF THE AGES. Presented by Youth Speaks Seattle, Think Tank Productions, and B-Girl Media, the event brought the Youth Speaks Seattle Poetry Slam Team, (ages 13-19), and the Seattle Poetry Slam Team (21+), in head-to-head competition." Seattle's poetry scene is one of the best in the nation, and it is often debated whether the youth or the adults are leading the charge," wrote Youth Speaks program director El Dia. Between rounds, the battle featured performances from Toni Hill, Laura Peice Kelley Jahn, Alpha P, Language Arts, and more. Rumor has it Youth Speaks cleaned up when Seattle Poetry Slam got shook and threw the last round. Either way, this event took poetry to the next level, and is a must see, so be on the look out for the next Battle of the Ages!
-Seattle Hip Hop pioneer Laura Piece Kelley-Jahn was in the P.I., in addition to rocking in front of thousands at Hempfest with a live band that easily stole the show!
-Dope Emporium is taking it to the roof, literally! The movement was spearheaded by 4BC Musik's Jace Ecaj to build a network that benefits and showcases the local scene. Seattle's dopest Hip Hop festival that rocked the Capitol Hill Arts Center, and two years of Georgetown's Artopia. On 3pm Saturday, August 30th, Jace is launchin a new series of events, so get down with the network again on the rooftop of Spoons, featuring live performances, DJS, b-boys/girls, graffiti art, and more! Email ecajjace@yahoo.com for more info.
Spoons Urban Apparel
2516 Beacon Ave
Seattle, WA 98112
Northwest Featured Video Gabriel Teodros "Third World Wide"
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.
On July 18th, 2008, over 20 members 206 Zulu caravaned to Yakima, Washington to facilitate a Hip Hop forum with the NAACP youth leadership council of Yakima, followed by performances. The event was organized through a partnership initiated by Wonder and Shai One of Midnight X-Press on KDNA, the only true-school Hip Hop radio show in the area. The founding members of 509 Zulu connected with activist and organizer Mr. Parks of S.E. Community Center while seeking ways to mitigate the detrimental effects that the Gang Bill was having on youth in the area. Over 100 youth and families attended the event, featuring performances from Fato Criminal (Brazil), DJ Tecumseh, Alpha-P, J-Rebel, and Kartel. Seattle Graffiti pioneer and 206 Zulu honorary member Keep One was also present. More photos of the event HERE.
The successful 509 Freestyle Battle in Sunnyside, Washington, went down on the Sunday following the Zulu Jam in Yakima. Cyphalliance represented, getting major love from organizers, and UZN is looking forward to continue building and networking in the TriCity region.
Emile Jansen, also known a Emile YX?, is a true renaissance man. Since 1982 he has played a fundamental role in the development of Hip Hop in his homeland, Cape Town, South Africa. Using his rhymes, dance, graffiti art, writing, and organizing, he has engaged and empowered youth over the last two decades. With a life devoted to the betterment of his community, he uses Hip Hop as a platform to educate, and his words and lyrics to raise awareness on social-political issues. Emile has worked within schools, community centers, and institutions around the world (including Harvard University) and has developed various educational programs such as T.E.A.A.C.H. Project (The Educational Alternative Awakening Corrupted Heads), Heal the Hood and the Robben Island artists-in-residency program.
Emile has worked with influential organizations such as The African Hip Hop Movement and South African Chapter of The Universal Zulu Hip Hop Nation, he and other Hip Hop artists within South Africa gave full support and participation in the anti-apartheid movement. After years of resistance, when state sanctioned apartheid ends, Emile YX? performed for President Nelson Mandela at his inauguration in Cape Town.
His crew, Black Noise, is a powerful collective of like-minds who have also made tremendous impacts in there community through Hip Hop. Since 1997, Black Noise has entered and maintained high ranking (consistently receiving 3rd & 4th place) in the worldwide breakdance competition called "Battle of the Year" in Germany, and has sponsored over 50 dancers to compete over the years. Some prominent members include: Thee Angelo, Lella, Fly D, Duane Lawrence, Marley, TMD, Tarro, Quazar and dozens of others.
Emile YX?, ROAR, and emcees of Black Noise have pushed there music to unparalleled heights, releasing many albums and compilations, while touring extensively throughout Africa, Europe, and the United States working with many record labels, and since, have established there own label- Outhouse Records.
Next week, August 28th-29th, Black Noise will celebrate there 20th Anniversary at The Baxter Theatre, South Africa's first major venue to host an all-out Hip Hop concert, along with a new "Best of Black Noise" CD release and DVD that highlights the group's history. To learn more about Emile YX? and Black Noise, log onto http://www.emileyx.co.za.
31st Anniversary of Rock Steady Crew July 24-27th, 2008
This year's Rock Steady Anniversary felt like the year of the B-Girl, with strength in numbers, and long over-due recognition. Who would believe that the Legendary Rock Steady Crew is 31 years old? Founded in 1977 by pioneering New York breakers, the Rocksteady Crew were some of the first b-boys to blow up and tour the world, officially putting "Breakdancing" on the global map. Every year their Anniversay is celebrated as only hip hop can celebrate- with jams and battles. I had the good fortune of accompanying B-girl Bean and B-girl Naj of Seattle's own Fraggle Rock Crew to witness and partake in the 2008 festivities. Although not as well-attended as last year's landmark 30th Anniversary, this year's 31st celebration was definitely a weekend to remember. The 5-on-5 crew battle was in full swing at Grand Hall in NYC's famous SOHO district, with the 206's own DJ DV One on the one's and two's for the entire six-hour event. The ladies definitely represented, comprising a full crew, and coming out full-throttle. B-Girl Bean and B-Girl Naj of Fraggle Rock Crew battled with Jess Rock from Ohio, Lady J of the Mighty Zulu Queens, and an Arizona B-Girl. A-B-Girl of Domestic Apes won this year's well-respected "Spy Award."
Also included in the Anniversary festivities was a free, outdoor festival including hip hop pioneers and architects. This year included the likes of the Artifacts, Marley Marl, Diggin In The Crates Crew, Craig G, KRS-One, the great Bahamadia (yes, Bahamadia), and Fat Joe. Concert-goers could buy a Barack Obama T-shirt and a plate of soul food while absorbing the sounds of true hip hop legends. The highlights of the show were a 3-minute accapella spit by Bahamadia including hot-like-fire delivery never before heard from this jazzy, butta-soft vocalist. She also tore apart the freestyle cypher with her quick wit and social commentary. (Bahamadia's recent album "Good Rap Music" has been released only in Europe, but can be purchased as an import, and features a harder Bahamadia than we've previously heard). Fat Joe held it down, spitting songs from the old school and new school, keeping it real, and advising those who only knew him from "Lean Back" to "get the f*%! out." Rock Steady Crew of course performed an outstanding showcase featuring 19 members on stage, including Seattle's own B-Boy Fever. All artists performed strictly for the love of Hip Hop, free of charge and without compensation.
DJ Evil Dee of Black Moon could be found spinning at the Rock Steady after party that evening. Underground celebrities like Sway, Tony Touch, and Popmaster Fabel came through to get down and spread love, while b-boys and girls did their thing in the cypher. The entire Rocksteady Anniversary was dedicated to the loving memory of well-loved hip hop pioneer, Frosty Freeze, who passed earlier this year.
Click HERE for more photos.
Kool DJ Red Alert is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the founding fathers of Hip Hop music and culture. Red is considered an icon of contemporary DJs and a pioneer of the radio mix show format.
Red began his career on commercial radio at 98.7 Kiss FM in October 1983. After eleven years, he moved down the dial to Hot 97 where he rocked for seven years. He then returned to 98.7 Kiss FM for two more years. In 2002 he switched over to Power 105.1. In 2007, Red Alert returned back to where it all started for him: 98.7 Kiss FM!
To commemorate Kool DJ Red Alert's 25 years on the radio, many events have been planned, culminating with a special tribute celebration hosted by 98.7 Kiss FM to be held at the Izod Center in New York on November 21st, 2008.
- Kool DJ Red Alert was named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Music by Rolling Stone Magazine.
- Red Alert founded Violator Records and Management, now headed by Chris Lighty.
- Kool DJ Red Alert was a major catalyst and influence in the career development of such artists as A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, The Jungle Brothers, Fat Joe, Black Sheep, Funkmaster Flex, Kid Capri, DJ Enuff and many others.
- Red Alert has six compilation albums to his credit.
- Kool DJ Red Alert is Honored in the The Bronx Walk of Fame with a street named after him!
- Red Alert Productions will soon present new artists.
- Kool DJ Red Alert will be featured in the upcoming Wendy Williams biographical movie and Red has a role in "Sip'n Sin" an International Short Film.
- Kool DJ Red Alert honored at 2008 Harlem Week!
Photos by 
Photos by Nate Brown.
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