785 HIP HOP HIP-HOP [MERRIAM-WEBSTER] 1 : a subculture especially of inner-city youths who are typically devotees of rap music, and 2: the stylized rhythmatic music that commonly accompanies rap; also : rap together with this music.
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by Noah Neff | photos by Ali Hanlon or provided
n considering the definitions above, my take away is that there is no one true definition of hip-hop that makes it easy to define. This in turn explains why the meaning of hip-hop becomes more and more blurred when jotted down in structural form. Growing up as a devotee of hip-hop and rap, I had never really analyzed the “what” so much as the “why.” As in, Why does this music make me feel incredibly inspired? Why do I feel a connection to my neighborhood streets? The political conscience and social injustices in our great country? I’m no PhD when it comes to the physics or science behind two turntables and a microphone, and I’ll never be able to label the feeling I first had when I popped Public Enemy’s “Fear of a Black Planet” cassette tape into my Walkman as a 5th grader, but to me, Hiphop is just that, an art form that can’t be contained by labels or definitions, but rather by feelings or inspiration. Today, we focus in on the heartbeat of the Heartland and provide insight into Topeka’s very own rising hip-hop stars, and pay homage to an established Top City legend. So sit back, plug in, and let the rhythm move you to greatness. These are your people. Lyric Reddick, Seuss aka Sicko Seuss Mace, Marty of Ebony Tusks fame, and of course the fabled Stik Figa. Let the voice of the streets be heard.
MEET THE PRODUCER:
George "Jory" Valyer owns and operates Rundown Studios and is quickly becoming the most sought-after producer for rising hip-hop artists in the Midwest. Jory got his musical start as the drummer in the regionally famous ska band The Rayguns, before honing his skills behind the kit in The Primetime Heroes. In more recent years, Yocemento, Bulletproof Tiger, and currently Stiff Middle Fingers have all benefited from Jory's advanced percussion skills. Playing with such diversified groups led Jory into pursuing an internship under Paul Schneider, previous owner and producer of Rundown. Jory worked as a production assistant before officially taking the reins on January 1, 2016. Alongside Jory is Robert Kilpatrick, another notable local musician formally of Beans and Cornbread. The studio is one of Topeka's largest ProTools professional recording studios, with 20-foot ceilings that create natural reverb, located at 6th and MacVicar. “My favorite thing about producing hip-hop is the Artist Factor, which, in my opinion, most hip-hop and rap artists lack," said Jory. "My advice to an up-and-coming artist would be to focus on originality when creating your identity and establishing your sound. That will set you apart as a true artist and not a mark ass bitch." (MIC DROP). 7