Upon moving back to Greensboro, North Carolina after many years in
more urban areas, I didn't expect to find inspiring up-to-date artistic
projects. But attending a Lyrical Menace event at Fuzzy Ducks, one of
a series of statewide freestyle competitions with their epicenter in
Greensboro, radically shifted my perspective regarding the level of
regional talent. Kevin Cheek, The Brown Recluse, organized the event
which was judged by local folks knowledgeable about and involved with
hip hop. Before the contest began Kevin circulated through the crowd
gathering themes which contestants then addressed with beats supplied
by local dj crew Kaos Mathematics. Though some participants totally
lost focus others erupted with complex waves of lyrics that were clearly
created on the spot.
While the talent was impressive, I was also moved by a supportive community
vibe that pervaded the event. Often one mc would come off the stage
to be embraced by his competitors and there was a sense of comraderie
that I have rarely seen in any competitive situation. Another important
aspect was a comfortable interracial feel which was later confirmed
by repeated visits to local events and in a discussion I had with Case
Logic, one of the few white rappers present. He said he found this particular
scene to have the least amount of racial tension he'd experienced in
hip hop. Attending that first Lyrical Menace inspired me artistically
but more importantly it gave me the utopian feeling that maybe we can
work things out, at least in specific settings where open communication
occurs.
After attending more competitions and a cipher that happens periodically
at Gate City Noise, another local venue, this community feeling remained
even as I discovered more of the realities of people's differences.
I recently spoke with Kevin Cheek to gain the organizers perspectives
on my perceptions. We began with a discussion of the art of freestyle
which Kevin terms the basic element of mcing. And though he understands
the need to get paid, Kevin emphasizes communication and mutual support
when talking about what he values in hip hop. He particularly enjoys
the times when freestylers gather on the sidewalk communicating with
each other and speaking what's on their mind in the moment.
Kevin and I concurred that one of the strongest participants in the
contests is Cosmic Legaci whose encouragement of other performers in
the midst of competition exemplifies such values. Kevin acknowledges
that for some local rappers success is money, hos and clothes but he
prefers figures like Cosmic Legaci who can battle without having to
hate on each other. He also emphasizes the work of local herbalist Treasun
who represents the realness of hip hop in that he speaks nothing but
truth. I mentioned Case Logic who helped introduce me to the local scene
and whose lyrics are complex and politically astute. Kevin regards him
as possibly the most underrated mc in Greensboro because he doesn't
get his props in local judging. But such are the realities of competitions
in which we all have favorites and not everyone can win. For now, I'm
extremely happy to be spending time in a setting where money has yet
to change the situation though, with the level of talent and desire
I've observed, that may not remain the case for long.