Hip-Hop Summit

Terronne Cuthrell

FSU opened its doors last month to a couple of speakers that had an inter- esting message on a popular topic in today’s world—hip- hop. The first annual FSU Hip-Hop Summit gathered students, faculty, and even community members to hear the enlightening words of two veterans in the industry. Christopher “Play” Martin and Patrick “9th Wonder” Douthit came to the event with a desire to inspire and itch for discussion. 2014-2015 SGA President, Jared J. James, watched a long-time dream of his un- fold as the event transpired.” says James. He had the op- portunity to open the event with informative and descrip- tive introductions of the guests. The introductions included information on their music endeavors, some recognitions, and other involvement in society. This was a good chance for the audience to learn more about the guests beyond “the rapper from the movie House Party,” or “that producer from the group Little Brother.” With more of an understanding of the artists’ respective backgrounds, students began to listen as Martin and Douthit were asked different questions about the industry. Some of the questions hit on hip-hops different movements and theeffect on African American culture. Others hinted on women in hip-hop, dance culture, and various other subjects.
After the previously prepared questions had been answered, students had the chance to ask the panel questions of their own. The lines were extensive, as the students obviously had a passion for the subject at hand. One students question hinted on whether or not hip-hop had entered a new era in which more thought-provoking, real music was being created. Martin and Douthit had pretty much a similar view when it came this question. They both felt that hip hop had a new realm of hard-hitting artists, naming Kanye West, Big Krit, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and more. With that they added that music is an ever changing cul- ture, so there will times where different styles of the genre are more popular than others. Witnessing this event unfold was a personal accomplishment for SGA President Jared J. James. “Through this program,” says President James, “I envisioned an appeal to the diverse students on campus that offered a program that allowed people discuss music, fellowship and simply to celebrate and share their love for hip-hop.

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