In a town as musically flourishing as Charlottesville, it is encouraging to see the diverse and enthusiastic presence of hip-hop. Rugged Arts Hip-Hop Showcase is a Charlottesville collective supporting this local scene with monthly events. The Oct. 29 show featured KG, Ray Marqui, Q of Black Odyssey, V.Bady and Cassanova, as well as cypher to close the night.
The showcase especially shined in the spirit of Rugged Arts’ supportive purpose and positive vibe. The group “prides itself on creating a positive climate and maintaining a high level of quality performances,” which was evident throughout Saturday night’s event. Each of the featured artists brought a polished energy, as well as an authentic, underground hip-hop feel.
All of the performers have a relatively small listener-presence as musicians, but carried the confidence of professional MCs. Furthermore, while the sets were brief, the night was generally well-paced because DJ Double U and host Remy St. Lacroix did their respective parts. This sort of fun yet raw atmosphere contributed to the entertainment value of the show.
Equally as relevant to the unique vibe of the event was Twisted Branch Tea Baazar’s low-key atmosphere. Although a vegetarian restaurant and lounge and a hip-hop showcase may sound like a peculiar combination, the two managed to find a somewhat cohesive feel. While there are other possible fitting venues for a similar event, Rugged Arts’ choice wasn’t necessarily off-putting. For certain, the atmosphere played well with the positive climate.
At one point in Q’s set, he rapped a few times that he is reintroducing hip-hop and the event he was a part of couldn’t have agreed more. The collective’s most redeeming quality must be the essence of Q’s lyric and hip-hops’ foundations — Rugged Arts is focusing on fostering positive, authentic and community-centered hip-hop culture. It would be great to see the group continue to work on its goal and to help these events grow.
Rugged Arts next showcase will be Dec. 3, also at Twisted Branch on the Downtown Mall.
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