When Nick Norris and a few other locals launched Hip Hop House last summer, the semi-regular event involved pretty much what its name implied: a rowdy showcase of rap, boom-bap, and urban artistry taking place inside a residence, which in this case was funky domicile/music venue Funny World.
Norris, an artist/producer with local act Nomad Hip Hop, says the oddball outsider-art haven was, oddly enough, the only place that would book the event after they kept getting the cold shoulder from venues and promoters alike. "We'd get strung along for literally months trying to book a simple four- or five-act show," he says.
Once they found a home for Hip Hop House in July 2012, however, it blew up big. In fact, maybe a little too big, as Norris says they'd pack the place with upwards of 75 people or more. Hence, their relocation to bigger digs at Hidden House, 607 West Osborn Road, which is where they'll be celebrating Hip Hop House's on Friday, July 19.
Although the showcase has switched locations, its focus remains the same: providing an outlet for local burgeoning hip-hop artists and lyricists. That includes those cats scheduled to appear at the party, like Colorblind, Prophetiko, and both ZeeDubb and Lord Kash of The Stakes.
Meanwhile, resident selector DJ Fact 135 (pictured) will spin the beats during each performance and drop underground hip-hop between sets. Norris says the veteran vinyl fiend, who joined up with them after the move to Hidden House, added something extra to the proceedings. "He brings an energy that was missing," he says. "Not that the shows weren't energetic before, but now it's on a whole new level."
The party starts at 9 p.m. Admission is $5. Call 602-279-0170.
