NEWS
Hip-hop argument continues in Madison
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Michelle Samenfield:
- Hip-hop argument continues in Madison (April 14, 2003)
- State Street planners: Gimme shelter (March 3, 2003)
Related Stories:
- Forum seeks to unite LGBT community (February 4, 2002)
- Police Advisory Board meeting kicks off (April 9, 2002)
- Bars to enforce strict halloween rules (October 21, 2004)
- UW challenges crime wave (September 13, 2006)
- Students discuss panhandling (April 24, 2003)
by Michelle Samenfield
Monday, April 14, 2003
In an open forum Friday afternoon, local hip-hop artists said racism within city administration and among bar owners is suppressing Madison’s hip-hip community because of the misconception that hip-hop music translates into violence.
Seven panelists at the forum could not agree on ways to help Madison’s hip-hop community thrive in spite of attempts by bar owners and Madison Police to ban hip-hop events because of violence at such events in recent years.
The panel consisted of local rap artists and Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4.
Panelist Greg Doby, CEO of Regime Records, an independent record label in Madison, said the city would rather have a fraternity promote a hip-hop concert instead of other blacks because the crowd a fraternity draws “brings credit cards and tips well.”
Doby also said artists and promoters who appear professional and work with venues to ensure a safe, successful concert never have a problem booking venues for hip-hop concerts. The problem, according to Doby, is incidents of violence like the Stillwaters shooting last month during hip-hop open-mic night. The shooting caused police and Madison-area bar owners to shut down all hip-hop events for weeks.
Because the city would never allow a hip-hop club to open in Madison, Doby said local venues will continue to make money off hip-hop artists.
“These places are controlled by city administration. For every two steps forward hip-hop takes, we take five steps back,” Doby said.
Verveer said the problems the city has with hip-hop stem from racial tension and that most bar owners are “scared” of hip-hop. He said the new club The Majestic “would not touch hip-hop,” and Stillwaters cancelled their hip-hop nights after police strongly suggested they do so.
Because the Alcohol License and Review Committee controls recommendations to the City Council regarding cabaret licenses, which are required in order to allow dancing at a venue, Verveer said the ALRC limits the amount of venues that can host concerts of any genre.
Calling the current ALRC practices “ridiculous and absurd,” Verveer said he urges hip-hop artists to become active in city politics, saying mayor-elect Dave Cieslewicz will be appointing four new members to the ALRC. He said artists should vocalize their opinions to Cieslewicz and should attend ALRC meetings to try to affect change.
Verveer also said that before issuing a recommendation for a liquor license, the ALRC asks the owner of the venue what type of music will be played, which he said is a violation of the right to free speech.
However, some panelists said addressing the venues is not the way to help Madison hip-hop thrive because hip-hop is a culture, not a business controlled by music venues.
Madison rapper Adem said the deeper problem is understanding the spirit of hip-hop and keeping music positive. If there was a positive atmosphere within hip-hop, Adem said venues would allow more hip-hop shows.
“The venues want money. The social responsibility is up to the rappers,” Adem said.
Florenzo Cribbs, co-owner of Madison record label HUGE Family Entertainment, said hip-hop has nothing to do with alcohol and suggested opening an alcohol-free club, which would give less control to the City Council.
Cribbs also said local rappers should sponsor free shows and focus on the high level of talent in Madison to encourage people to embrace hip-hop as much as they do in other cities.
