The Undergrou

nd Kulture Lyrical Championships are Back! You don't know how to battle until you take part in a Kulture-style rhyme contest. Every Wednesday night at Club Speed the mood transforms when

The War
AllHipHop.com battles hosted by Fatman Scoop and Ludacris
WORDSnTUNES-SHOW/ARTISTS REVIEWS

“I fell in love with Hip Hop when I saw Doug E. Fresh battle Slick Rick.” Remember that line? All of you Brown Sugar lovers must have recognized it right away. Battling has been an enormous part of Hip Hop music, from MCing to DJing. There was a time before there was BET, before MTV began airing predominantly Hip Hop videos and before Hot 97 gained almost an equal popularity to 1010 WINS. Back in those days turntables were rare, human beatboxing ruled and the beats were created by banging on the hoods of cars. Rhymes were created not to achieve platinum status on a record or even just to get a deal. Hip Hop was fresh it was raw, it was almost innocent. Rapper’s Delight was a song filled with gullible lines. Hip Hop was there to give people an outlet for thoughts, experiences and it gave an opportunity for masses to be creative in a way they’ve never been. In its early stages, lacking its present popularity, Hip Hop had to develop without its present financial backing. Instead of sampling overused beats, recording a track, digitally mastering the combo while doubling the voice track, the early Hip Hop superstars took it to the streets. Battling was how so many of the now well-known names got their respect, how they established their very identity. From Slick Rick and LL Cool J to Cannibus and Eminem to Jin and Seriouz Jones, battling had not only influenced Hip Hop, it has defined it. So it’s no wonder that AllHipHop reserved an event to celebrate just that activity during its celebration week in 2006. With Ludacris and a slew of other celebrities present at the show it promised to be a true entertainment experience. Before the spectacle began, most of the Hip Hop icons offered their time to be photographed and to answer some questions on their lives, future and past visions and for some - their aspirations. Ras Kass shared with the author of this write-up that he is an ‘honest artist’. “My lyrics change with different situations. I deal with political and social aspects most of the time. Sometimes I’m just having fun.” His new mixtape, Eat or Die, is out and he is feeling as energized and full of forward movement as ever. Fatman Scoop is so heavily affiliated with Hot 97 that most questions dealt with his involvement on the radio and Changes with Sirius Satellite gaining greater and greater popularity by the minute. Still he’s not worried. “There is enough for all of us out there.” In the mean time 97 is responding to such competition with its HD radio and streaming internet. Scoop himself promises to do internet and other things to show change. On his future plans he responds with “I’ll be with 97 till they get rid of me.” He put special emphasis on the getting rid part. News worthy? Is there trouble in the house? The event may have not resembled The Shelter from 8 Mile, but it was certainly thought through and rather meticulously constructed. Fatman Scoop was hosting the battles with Shani Kuture helping out. Both of the guys are part of the massive capital of Hot 97. Scoop’s doing his thing and producing on the side and Kulture is the man with a bit of a different focus. He hosts Reggae Sundays and is a Hip Hop/Reggae man himself with repeated performances of his own all over the city. There were 4 judges with varied yet unarguable reputation in the Hip Hop world. Gathered from different parts of the country, they were: Ras Kass, Craig G., Sticky Fingaz and the infamous SWAY. 3 Rounds in all with a rather elaborate plan were on the plate for those stepping up to the mike to accept the rhyme play game. Round one consisted of picking 3 words by the hosts and challengers having to use them. Seemingly an almost ordinary mission for verse capable contestants, it raised questions all throughout, with some not saying them at all and some exercising them to the extend they saw fit. Round two brought all back to the days when battling was the only way to earn the stripes in the hood. Old school was to receive its props in the house through the elaborate verses dropped. Round three was only defined by Scoop as the go hard round. All throughout the battle time Ludacris was hiding in the DJ booth. The crowd was only rarely reminded of his very presence as Fatman Scoop spoke of Luda’s 5th album coming out. There were no mentions of the overall impact Ludacris has had on the industry and the Southern Rap in general. In the time when T.I., Juvenile and Young Jeezy sell more than any East coast or West coast artist, the very fact that Luda was in the house seemed to warrant some more attention. All Scoop had to say was “At this time an artist putting out 5 albums is an impressive fact.” Chamillionare stopped by as well but didn’t earn more than “Cham’s in the house” from the show host. With everyone raving of his entrepreneurial and musical genius, he got almost no love at the event. Round 1 winners brought the most unexpected results. The first one was a small blind white kid. Going by the name of Blind Fury (remember that 80s Hollywood flick?) his voice was a tad more on the softer side but his skills were too obvious to ignore. He needed help getting on and off stage and wasn’t looking at his challengers directly. Regardless, his overall delivery and control of the stage was shockingly impressive. Then there was a small built girl named Jaz. Dropping hood-like insults in her piece, she won primarily due to other guy’s less than courteous act. When this confident Latin guy stepped to her during his act and put a hand on her shoulder, Fatman Scoop immediately stopped the battle and warned him to be polite since “You don’t know who she’s here with. Her man might not like that…” Jaz nodded in approval and yelled out “I’m here with him”, pointing at rather large fellow by the stage. Although that battle went on regardless, the crowd and the judges were almost unanimous in their decision. After a slew of quite weak performances, another winner, Verse, brought a real act to the table. Creating various images and commanding his words with a light and precise touch he impressed all with his real rapping skills. So it was no wonder that after Round 2 there were only two standing: Blind Fury and Verse. Although judges questioned Verse’s old school references in that round, his opponent brought even less of a game with him and Verse continued on. Somewhere at that point one of the judges took the mike and without holding back whatsoever said “This is the sorriest display of battling skills I have ever seen in my life.” The pressure was on and Round 3 was announced. It consisted of 3 steps. First was a regular one with Blind Fury and Verse just battling each other like two kids on the block. Unexpectedly and almost shockingly Verse choked on that and got booed by the audience. He clearly had a friend in Scoop as he encouraged him on even after Verse stopped, admitting his defeat. Second went Acapella. Blind Fury seemed to have relaxed a bit after Verse’s previous mistake and failed to excel as in every round before. Third and final was a back and forth battle with rappers switching from one to another as Scoop pointed his finger (I wonder how Blind Fury saw that…). once again Verse had failed to prevail and the Blind Fury‘s crew was all smiles as they waited for the final verdict. Suddenly Fatman Scoop added a fourth step. Just regular battle style it gave Verse a chance to recover somewhat. Now everyone knows and respects Fatman Scoop. There isn’t a question in anyone’s mind that he is an excellent and competent host for this type of an event. Stil, there was no rational explanation for his actions. The moment Blind Fury stepped on stage Scoop warned him not to cry when he losses. Someone from the DJ booth reminded of Blind Fury’s past MTV battles and Scoop backed off and gently slapped the little white kid on his shoulder. Perhaps Fatman Scoop was simply playing Future for Verse. Afterall in 8 Mile Rabbit would have not emerged victorious if not for Future‘s support. However this situation deserves a further look into it. Everywhere, from sports to singing, a little blind kid with these accomplishments would have earned some extra credit. Managing to overcome his handicap and other factors and enter the least likely world of Hip Hop (besides being blind he is also white and small built) clearly seems to deserve the extra credit. Not in Hip Hop. At least not in the Hip Hop world of Fatman Scoop. Every time Blind Fury got on stage, Scoop kept on insisting that he would cut him no slack due to his condition and that this was no Special Olympics. Instead of encouragement the kid received a cold shoulder. Perhaps Scoop was just in a bad mood? But wait! No one else got that treatment. Perhaps except the white kid who put his hand on the shoulder of a small black girl while battling her earlier in the night. The question seems to pose itself. Is there a gentler side of Hip Hop? Rhetoric questions need no answers… Still in somewhat of a disbelief from the final results, this writer approached SWAY after the show. He wasn’t hosting the event, he was one of the judges and he is well known for his precise and accurate assessments. Why did Verse win? “We felt that Verse was stronger on Acappella.” What about the part where he choked? “True, but otherwise Verse dominated.” Then in an interview about the overall state of Hip Hop SWAY took a more commercial angle. “Rap companies simplify growth,” he said. Then he spoke of the power and influence of Hip Hop: “Hip Hop is everywhere. It’s in different races, different crowds, different cultures…” addressing the overall complaint consistent among the upcoming rappers he said: “Don’t be greedy and don’t think that someone owe you shit.” Well said, SWAY. Honest straightforward and directly answering my previous rhetoric question. The whole event was packed with respected names, lots of energy, bravado and hopes. Entertaining to everyone this was a primal display of what is happening on the scene. What’s next for Hip Hop? No one knows. One thing remains true thou: MCs will battle and walk away victorious or defeated but never satisfied!

When a Sideshow Becomes the Main Event

An excerpt of the Hot 97 Memo from the Director of Music Marketing about the success of the Underground Kulture Lyrical Championship at the Digital Life Entertainment Expo 2005. CHRIS NADLER, HOT 97 -- That's SHANI KULTURE (aka 'SIDESHOW' on Miss Jones in the Morning) pictured left working the crowd at the "Underground Kulture Lyrical Championship" MC Battle organized by HOT 97 and the Underground Kulture. This picture was taken the evening of October 15th, 2005 during the Digital Life Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. I wanted to share this picture because 5 minutes into our 90 minute event, the head of Javits security pulled me aside, concerned about "overcrowding" at our area. The Underground Kulture Lyrical Championship reportedly OUTDREW the unveiling of the new Star Wars video game coming out next month. And that's big news BIG NEWS considering this was a technology event. Special thanks to: KULTURE for continuing to host the fastest-paced, most exciting audience-interactive MC battle around. To DJ ENVY for mixing during the battle, DJ KAY SLAY and COCOA CHANELLE for offering to come out and represent the station as judges, performers, Kay Slay's PAPOOSE, and SKRIPT KEEPER (the UKLC Champion from Summer Jam 2005) who closed the show with live performances. Also to DAPHNEE FORTUNAT for coming early to document the event from beginning to end, and to ASHLEY, SAM, and KORTNEY from the Underground Kulture Junior Street Team for arriving early and promoting the event and distributing the free giveaways. Also, congratulations again to ANGELA LOFTUS for taking what amounted to a late-in-the-game partnership last year with DIGITAL LIFE and turning it into a full-blown (read: much bigger investment!) partnership. Our Digital Life partners at the event agreed that the crowd was visibly HOT 97-heavy and this year's registrations were closed at 50,000 (up from 35,000 last year)! One final note, since most of you probably did not see the battle. While there were hundreds of "smack-down" lines traded, the winner, NITE, easily had one of the event's most crowd-pleasing barbs, ripping her final opponent to shreds with the line: "I'm gonna leaveyou stranded/Like the Black folks that voted for Bush." This brought the house down. People OUTSIDE the Javits Center were cheering this one. Needless to say, she walked off with the $5,000 Grand Prize. And rumor has it she'll be a guest of Miss Jones' Morning Show later this week. A great event-within-an-event and further testament to HOT 97's unparallel power and influence when it comes to promoting an event and driving attendance.

 

UKLC At Summer Jam 2005
"A standing ovation to the greatest Freestyle Battle Host in the world -Shani Kulture, for jumping over the obstacles with me and still making the battle a success once again!" --Gwynet Cowan, Senior Account Manager (Hot97, CD101.9, Kiss FM NYC)

The Underground Kulture Lyrical Championships held it down once again at Hot 97's Summer Jam. Shani Kulture hosted it and his colleague from the Miss Jones Morning Show, DJ Envy, held it down on the 1s and 2s. Amanda Diva (Sirius Satellite Radio, MTV2), Big D (Warner Brothers), and Cylinda Whitted (Like Mindz In-Collaboration, LLC) were the judges. The underdog came out on top at this year's Lyrical Championship. Skript Keeper of Long Island, NY reigned lyrically over 9 other opponents. Absoloot, Otomatik, Nina B, Cyph Low, Streetz, Big Ace, Cripple Boy Wonder, World and Sic Shane were finalists that competed for the title of "Underground Kulture Lyrical Champion 2005". Nina B, the only female in the competition, held it down for the ladies... She reps Brooklyn and Brooklyn repped her. She started off strong by verbally stomping out Sic Shane and continued on until there were about six of her opponents' lanyards draped around her neck. Then she came up against Absoloot. She lost stamina at that point and Absoloot was clearly the stronger candidate.... It was hard to decide who won. Absoloot had the lyrical skill, but Nina B had Brooklyn on her side. But the audience had the final say, and Brooklyn won out. By default, Nina B took out Absoloot. When Skript Keeper, Absoloot's team member and friend, had to battle Nina B, it was personal. For anyone that thinks that a white boy from Long Island would not have a chance performing in front of a crowd that has a love for hip hop (and a Hot 97 audience is just that), you needed to be a witness at this event. Skript Keeper had the crowd roaring. And yes, a black female reppin' the BK couldn't even hold the loyalty of the audience. If you got it, you got it. The audience allowed for Absoloot to go up against the Skript Keeper for one last shot. But the respect for this MC was already formed and audience loyalty was undisturbed. Skript Keeper took it home.

 

The Underground Kulture Lyrical Championships are Back!

You don't know how to battle until you take part in a Kulture-style rhyme contest. Every Wednesday night at Club Speed the mood transforms when Kulture steps to the stage. After the first round of the Underground Kulture Lyrical Championship [UKLC] others are inspired to compete. The audience is the judge and the jury. Each week the competition gets tougher. How do you rate? Find out at the UKLC.

 

The Main Event Disguised as a Sideshow...

Shani Kulture is now the newest member of the Hot 97.1 WQHT Morning Show in New York City. Mornings bring out another side of Kulture... as a result this morning show team has nick named him "Sideshow". Kulture's naturally wild hair, ready to attack demeanor, and bloodshot red eyes (he has not quite adjusted to waking up at 4:00AM for a 6:00AM performance) is what had inspired radio personality and comedian Todd Lynn (from ABC's My Wife and Kids) to come up with this clever name. Other personalities that comprise this morning show staff are Miss Jones, Miss Info, DJ Envy, and writer/comedian Donnell Rawlings (Comedy Central's The Dave Chappelle Show). Place your bets, folks... how long do you think it will take for the morning show to drop the Sideshow act and the Tri-State to become properly acquainted with KULTURE?

 

Kulture Brings the Lyrical Championships to Summer Jam 2004
"You throw a damn good battle, please don't stop doin' 'em." --NJ MC
"This battle was mad official. I will be lookin' for the next one" --NJ MC
"I would never do no average battle like 106 & Park, I need a thorough battle like what just happened." --NY MC

"Neeeeew Yoooork!!! Neeeeew Yooooooork!!! Neeeeeeew Yooooork!!!" chanted the audience at the Hot 97 MC Battle This past Saturday at Summer Jam 2004.This is how Sonny C of Dirt Worx Entertainment and Chad Royal, Inc. was elected the Lyrical Champion of New York and New Jersey. The lyrical contenders were: Daphya (the only Puerto Rican Princess to represent NYC), freestyle phenomenon Verse representing NYC, Xclusive representing NYC, L.O.S. of the Bronx, Sage Badweather (New Jersey's best kept secret), Tin Man (New Jersey's underground lyrical legend in association with Block Royal), Brooklyn's own True Icon of My World Entertainment represented Jersey, Danger straight out of Jersey, Freek representing NJ's rhyme crew, Bralikk Animalz, and Juice of New Jersey. The New York team of contenders wore army colored "Keep It Movin'" T-shirts and the New Jersey contenders wore wine colored "Keep It Movin'" T-shirts from Underground Kulture. The MC Battle, sponsored by Heineken was the FIRST time this pre-concert stage got the full attention of the audience, which warmed up the stage for Mobb Deep. Kulture prepared the contenders with the official rules of the stage before they presented themselves to the Summer Jam audience. When MC Battle host Shani Kulture took the mic, he took control of the stage and the audience. When he told the crowd he needed silence, there was a hush ,,, when he told them to make noise, there was a roar, and the result was a TRUE HIP HOP MC Battle that everyone could enjoy. The lyrics were raw and uncut and quite often the audience was laughing or "ooooooohhhhh"ing at the punch lines that the contenders would strike each other with. After the show Kulture stuck around to congratulate the true competitors and to console the sore losers. "The battle is a keeper, we gotta keep it movin'." --Hot 97 Executive Chris Nadler "It was a fantastic idea, we need to keep it going." --Lisa Evers, Hot 97 The success of this event was not possible without the savvy and vision of Hot 97's Gwynet, the proper recommendation of Hot 97's Ebro, the Hot 97 Street Team (special shout-outs to Mo and Can-Nice), Heineken USA (special shout out to Alexsandra Torres), the clubs that were kind enough to allow us to host the preliminary events (special shout-out to Mario of Ringside), CTruth host of Thermal Soundwaves on WHCR 90.3 FM, the only DJ brave enough to promote another radio station's event, the owners and operators of Like Mindz In-Collaboration, LLC for the web designs, updates, and the championship medals, Underground Kulture for sponsoring the T-shirts, and of course the talent, planning, and management of New York's True Lion Heart Shani Kulture. See pictures on the TrueLionHeart pics page.

 

Recruiting Emcees for the Battlefield

Hot 97's got Hip Hop Kulture and he is in full effect.... Shani Kulture will be hosting Hot 97's MC Battles this year. All are welcome to come through and participate. Contestants get to display their skills and audience member get to vote the old school way, with cheers and jeers. Audience members also get the opportunity to win prize tickets to Summer Jam 2004 on June 12, 2004 at Giants Stadium. HOT 97 MC BATTLE RULES 2004 ELIGIBILITY: The HOT 97 MC Battle is open to all New York Tri State area residents ages 21 or older. Employees and their immediate families and/or those living in the same household, and agents, and representatives of Emmis Communications Corporation and Heineken USA and their respective subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies are not eligible. EXECUTION: Contestants will compete in a single elimination MC battle series. Potential participants can enter the competition via an open call preliminary battle taking place at the following locations: May 21 10pm-12am, Rainbow Room, 557 Grove St, Irvington NJ, (973) 373-1495 May 24 12 noon, Emerald Lounge, 1816 Boston Road, Bronx NY, (718) 231-9983 May 28 10pm -12am, Club Mohacamy, 476 Avon Ave, Newark, NJ, (973) 371-9053 June 5 10pm-12am, Ringside, 475 Tonnelle Ave, Jersey City NJ, (201) 963-1773 June 6 10pm-12am, Club Speed, 21 W. 39th Street, NY, NY (212) 719-9867 June 10 8pm, Emerald Lounge, 1816 Boston Road (bet 175th St & Hoe Ave), Bronx NY, (718) 231-9983 Each battle will consist of three “rounds”. A round will allow each contestant approx. one minute in length, (16 Bars), to perform a freestyle rhyme. Winners will be selected at the end of the three rounds. Spectators along with a HOT 97 host and a panel of judges will select 1 champion/winner from each competition night, to total 3 from NYC and 3 from NJ (6 total to compete at Summer Jam 2004). Decision of the judges is final. The contest finals will take place at the Festival stage at Summer Jam 2004 on June 12, 2004 at Giants Stadium. 6 contestants will participate in the finals. The finals taking place on the Summer Jam second stage will intensify, where host will provide sporadic topics/phrases to freestyle about. The decision for the final competition will be executed identically as the preliminary battles, the winner being selected by the panel of judges will audience interaction. The judges have the final decision. PRIZING: Winners from the contest will each win one pair of Summer Jam 2004 tickets (Value: $120). Winner of the Finals will receive a trip for two to Jamaica, West Indies, August 12-14th, 2004 to open the Heineken House Party in Ocho Rios. Trip includes roundtrip airfare, ground transportation and accommodations. Winner is responsible for all applicable taxes. Winner must own a valid passport or other required identification to claim the prize. (Value: $2,500). ADDITIONAL RULES: There should be NO physical contact between contestants. Each contestant is to remain in their respective area. Once selected, you must be available to compete at Summer Jam 2004. In the event of a no-show, you will be disqualified. Winners agree that Emmis Communications Corporation, and its respective subsidiaries, agents, affiliates and employees shall have no liability in connection with acceptance or use of their prize. Winners will be required to sign a disclaimer and/or tax form before being awarded the prize. Winners consent and agree to the use of their names, photographs, and voices for broadcast and promotional purposes by HOT 97 during and after the contest.

 

Kulture Honored as a Hip-Hop Immortal

If you don't know, now you know... Kulture has been recognized and documented as a Hip Hop Immortal in the newly released DVD We Got Your Kids. He is specially featured among a new wave of artists that are certain to stand the test of time. Earlier this year Troubled Mind, the first single from the Natural Progressions album, made its debut on SIRIUS Satellite Radio. More recently Rebirth Time, the album's second hit single, is playing in constant rotation on this radio station. Be on the look out for Shani Kulture d' Runaway Slave.

 

Underground Kulture On-Line Store

Are you a RUNAWAY SLAVE? Do you abandon all forms of oppression, whether it comes in the form of work, a relationship, emotions or in any other manifestations. If you are a rebel to oppressive situations or know someone who is, then you would want to visit the UK (Underground Kulture). Express your views without saying a word by shopping at the on-line store, Underground Kulture. Get a free Natural Progressions CD with each purchase. Spread the peace, spread the word, the UK is in effect.

 

Summerfest 2003

Shani Kulture performed at Summerfest 2003 at Waters Gift Farm in Montgomery County, MD on Saturday, September 6th and 7th, 2003. Shani Kulture and his band, Planet Ubiquity, of New York City performed along with the Baltimore and D.C. area's hottest acts to provide entertainment in exchange for the public's support of a number of worthy causes with a primary focus on children and education. Duren Communications has organized this year and last year's Summerfest. In its second year of operation, the Summerfest is rapidly moving towards being known as one of the regions' premier summer music events. Witness the broadening of types of artists present at this year's event, beginning with Shani Kulture. Kulture is coming from NYC to show his support for this cause and formally introduce himself and his music to the Maryland area. He is recognized both nationally and internationally as the host of a weekly internet showcase called the Cure. He is also well known locally for 1st Klass Sessions. Kulture teams up with his band, Planet Ubiquity, and most recently, the Wonder Twinz, to host and perform on the first Monday of each month, setting the mood for the hottest hip hop, soulful showcase in NYC. Kulture has only recently completed his first independent album and has created a buzz among various members of the music industry. His album, Natural Progressions, will be available at the performance.