Next year marks 20 years of the magazine, a milestone that’s inspired us to reflect on the stories that, in hindsight, were not only significant for us but also played a role in shaping the diverse scenes and cultural pockets of Downtown Richmond. Many of these stories have never been shared online or were lost during our transitions between website upgrades over the past two decades and presented as they were written.
Editor’s Note: Looking back at Richmond’s hip hop scene, it’s clear the potential has always been there. When this article was first written in 2006, hip hop struggled to find venues that would even host it. Incidents of violence—or the perception of violence—pushed the scene to the fringes. Artists and fans had to make do with the few spaces available, and one of those rare spots was Nancy Raygun, formerly known as Twisters and eventually reborn as Strange Matter. What follows is one of our earliest articles about Richmond’s hip hop culture, offering a snapshot of the scene at that time.
Richmond, Cap City, Dirty Fist—how has the hip hop scene here not blown up yet? It isn’t for a lack of talent, by any means. As DJ Bobby La Beat put it, the city is saturated with talent and people deeply involved in the hip hop scene. Emcees come a dime a dozen, whether they spit hot fire or not. A DJ can be found spinning Gang Starr at some bar practically every night of the week. And everybody and their mother has taken a shot at making a beat. Even the standard hipster can’t deny getting their “twork” on when a Biggie record hits. It would seem like all the ingredients are there, so what’s missing? For one thing: unity.
With so many people in the city trying to get up and get on, the scene seems divided into too many slices. The different crowds stubbornly resist collaboration. Egos clash. The right amount of networking isn’t happening. There doesn’t seem to be a unifying venue. Sure, we have spots where shows and events happen regularly, but not one solely dedicated to endorsing hip hop. Maybe there doesn’t need to be, but it seems what we do have is strictly limited. Without a doubt, we could use a wider array of locations to showcase acts, whether DJs, rappers, or groups. Promotions aren’t what they should be. I’ll walk past the one bulletin on a telephone pole about a show that happened a week ago, which I never heard anyone talk about, and wonder why.
People need to drink less haterade. The vital support that any scene needs to thrive has to be strengthened here. Whether it’s by word of mouth, plastering more bulletins around the city, passing out flyers at VCU, or even—yes—Myspace, there’s gotta be more!
Don’t front like you don’t check Myspace, either.
It wasn’t always like this. Just a few years ago, the city ran rampant with backpackers and crate diggers. Mad Skillz was still repping heavy. Infectious Organisms played as much as local bands did, with a huge and loyal fan base. Local rap groups opened for any big act touring through Richmond, getting their names out there that way. VCU’s Open Mic Night was packed every time. B-boys and girls couldn’t wait to touch those dance floors and split a crowd wide open. Wednesday nights at *In the Mix*, Sunday nights at Richie’s (presently Emilio’s), or Thursday nights at Chopstix—Ologist and Antagonist, y’all were beasts. House parties always had kids freestyling, bunched up in a cipher, each with a 40 oz. in hand. Speakeasy battled anybody who was even rumored to touch a mic.
People loved to see all that. We *still* want to see all that. The audience is available and waiting. Even those who might not know every classic hip hop anthem—when I see them, they’re enthusiastic to get their head bop on. Hip hop demands participation that way.
And undeniably, a lot of people are working hard to bring in that audience and move into the next era. Richmatic’s Producer’s Cup has triumphantly returned to Nanci Raygun and stands as a great opportunity to get producers—and the beats they toil over night and day—out there. Their Hip Hop Night is one of the singularly consistent spots for anybody interested. Those cats at Apriotek just launched a website and are steadily working to perfect their skills as emcees and beatmakers (peep them at apriotekrecords.com). Ravenous Monks and Divine Prophets still maintain a presence. South Side’s supposed to have some heavy-hitting players emerging soon.
And if it feels like there’s a hip hop dance party every weekend, that’s because there is. You have DJs like Krames, Bobby La Beat, Eyecue, Rudeboi, and AudioAmmo to thank for that. The RVA Raps party at Nanci Raygun back in October was a blazing success. Believe me, whenever a banger like Tribe’s “Scenario” drops, all those true hip hop heads come out of nowhere, every time, going ballistic and yelling every rhyme at the top of their lungs. There are dozens of other kids out there—new to Richmond or seasoned veterans—doing their part every day, putting forth the effort. That needs to be embraced.
Though it seems we must be reminded at every step, Richmond’s hip hop scene does have the potential; it’s on the verge, the brink. We have all the ammunition we need. We just have to put it all in one room and light the fuse.
Written by Xavier Atkins
Photos by Chris Lacroix
