Graphic Design
State of the Art
by Felicia Gomes
On Friday, January 24, 1997, Harlem's National Black Theater hosted the first benefit for Akila Worksongs program, the POWER Project. "State of the Art" Expressions of a People, tribute to hip-hop and the spoken word was sponsored by BMI and the International African Arts Festival. The doors opened at 7:00 pm to an intergenerational crowd of people full of smiles, displaying natural afros, locks, relaxers and African headwraps.
As the lights dimmed, I was taken back to the early 1980's when "hip-hop" was truly "hip-hop." It brought back the days when I thought I was the missing female rapper to the infamous Sugarhill Gang. The atmosphere was filled with high energy and packed with wall to wall people. the program started at 9:00 pm and ended at 3:00 am (almost a replica of the good ol' days when DJs spinned "Good Times" at Brooklyn block parties to wee hours in the morning).
The host was Rahzel, the "Godfather of Noyze." Rahzel took the "rhythm of sound" to a level beyond the stratosphere! His vocals transformed into an entire hip-hop band in a matter of minutes. It caused everyone to swoon and say, nod and tap anything within reach.
There were a total of 23 artists, talented in their own right. Since I can't talk about them all, I'll focus on those who were very inspiring.
A Touch Reality: This trio, accented with one sister, relayed the message of "we be anti-n*ggers!" They definately received an ovation when they said "There be no more cool n*ggers...all of that's got to go!" I'm sure a few of our younger brothers may not have appreciated this poem the way the older generation did. Aarian Pope: Her flow was music to the ears, as she brought to life the everyday happenings in a Harlem restaurant depicted in "Afro Luncheonette." Her smile seemed to exuberate a light all its own.
Tracey Morris: This sister read a poem honoring the talent of our brother, Savion Glover. Her words were so musical that all you had to do was close your eyes and see Savion's movements in her words. LaAngela and Vattel Cherry: This was a jazz poetry piece writted by Marquetta L. Goodwine, incorporating the word and the instrument. The repetitive chorus was "First there was the word and then there was the bass." Every sound that flowed from LaAngela's lips was matched by the sweet high or low sound of Vattel's bass. It crossed all levels from jazz to gospel to be-bop to a funky hip-hop beat,
Kimbale: This sister reminded the audience of the need for peace and tranquility in our lives, but to be mindful of the pending feelings resurfacing in the youth of our communities. Her message was plain and simple--"Free your mind...the rest is simple; the Revolution begins with you, me, he, she and it!" Full Circle Productions: What can I say but "Top of the Line!" These young brothers paid tribute to the originators of hip-hop and downed where the current hip-hop artists seem to be going in the 90s. The rap group had a message for mainstream artists about the continued need to support our communities, no matter how "big" we may get. "Put back on your ghetto clothes...stay black." The breakdancing and spinning of their DJ brought the history of hip-hop back to mind and the joy of knowing that there are brothers and sisters who will continue to keep the original positive message of hip-hop alive.
The Last Poets: Umar Bin Hassan and Abiodun Oyewole--there were 27 years of wisdom and history rapped in their messages. These two were among the originators of the spoken word in Harlem. The poem "The Streets Are Calling" was powerful and amazing. They received a standing ovation which they rightfully deserved. KRS-One and Supernatural: For a person who never had the privilege of seeing KRS-One in concert, this surprise drop-in visit was a true blessing. The knowledge that these two brothers dropped on the...
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