Buy yourself some graffiti panels and paintings by Edmonton artists inspired by a culture with no sovereignty, but which millions call theirs — Hip Hop.

“HIP HOP ON THE WALL” ( Jan. 28 to Feb. 11)

An art show, concert and fundraiser for Hip Hop in the Park at Latitude 53 (10248 106 St.)

Opening night – January 28, 2011
$10, 18+

With Art by Jenn Kovachik, AJA Louden, Lorien Maheu

Musical Performances by The Joe, reDef, Locution Revolution and DJ Budakron

Hosted by the Breathe in Poetry Collective

Exhibition runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 11.

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All proceeds will go to Hip Hop in the Park and the visual artists. Since 2008, the “Hip Hop in the Park Foundation” which is a non-profit organization has aspired to cultivate and promote Hip Hop culture in Edmonton, Alta. through its annual May festival and other related events.

Thank you to everyone who came out to Hip Hop in the Dark and Hip Hop in the Park.

Here’s some highlights, videos and pictures.

• Nekkbone won the 2010 Freestyle Tournament.
• Joeys Dats won the 2010 (and 2009!) Production Tournament.
• About 700 people came out to Hip Hop in the Park, much less than last year but still a great turnout for winter-like weather.
• Flickr pictures here and here.

Friday morning on Citytv’s Breakfast Television, Hip Hop in the Park organizers and performers will be showcasing their talents live and giving you a preview of Saturday’s events.

Then, check out Shaw TV @ 6pm the same evening for a special segment on Hip Hop in the Park.

And you can read all about the festivities, covered in SEE Magazine, VUE Weekly and an Edmonton Journal blog.

Photo by Samantha Parker of SEE Magazine.

We’re just 7 (seven, VII, sept) days away! Take a moment to check out one of our super awesome sponsors for this year’s event.

Blackbyrd Myoozik | Chilis | Colour Blind | Ed ABCA | Foosh | Fuss Cupcakes | Edmonton Energy | Gateway Press | Grim Empire | Heart of the City Festival | Jupiter | Locution Revolution | L+P Productions | MEdeity Multimedia | Megatunes | MKT Systems Ltd. | New Leaf Entertainment | Omar Mouallem, writer/editor | Rayacom | Rhymesayers Entertainment | The Starlite Room | Tuff House Records | Two Guys with Pipes | Union Events | Urge Tattoos | Warp Comics | Wildstyle Wednesday’s | Wooly Bully’s

Several schedule changes have been made, including the addition of workshops. Click here to see.

Battle Of The Beasts is the Hip Hop in the Park official annual battle tournament. This year it is a mixed event featuring both Emcees and Producers in their own respective battle on the same nights! May 12 will be the PoolA Prelim, while the PoolB Prelim will be held on May 19.

If you miss out on PoolA or are are eliminated, PoolB will be open for registration on a first come first serve basis. Keep in mind that only 16 competitors will be allowed per pool per skill, and only the top 2 from each pool and skill will be chosen to compete in the finals. The Finals will be held at Hip Hop in the Dark on May 21st at Wooly Bully’s.

$10 at the door (Registrants do not pay this)
Bring your Starlite or Temple Membership! (covers 2 people)
Registration is $10 (pay at the event), and will go towards the prize pot.
Register HERE

Rules

FREESTYLE BATTLE

1.This is actually less of a rule and more of a note… This competition will be based on your FREESTYLE ABILITIES, rather than just your battle abilities. Challenges will include Role Play, Topics, and Flow alongside your standard head to head diss fests.

2.Emcee’s will lose points for unoriginality (recycled “you’re gay”, and “I banged your mom” lines)

3. 45 second, best of 3 rounds. Coin toss for who goes first. Reverse order on tie breakers.

4. Judges panel of 3. Crowd vote will also be taken into consideration.

5. No touching of your opponent.

6. Topics, and Role Play characters will be emailed to registrants prior to the battle.

PRODUCTION BATTLE

*Beats will be 45 seconds long until the semi-final round, semis and onward is 1 minute.
*You will be chosen out of random selection to go head to head against
your opponent for that round where you will play 2 beats each.
*You will be judged on creativity, sound quality, and originality by a jury or your peers and 3 judges. The crowd will count as 1 vote only in the first round.
*You may bring any genre of instrumental you would like, but beware of the crowd you are catering to. (mostly hip hop)
*You may use remixes/and or finished tracks, however your vocal mixes will be taken into consideration during judgment. ie. A bad vocal mix on a good beat can lose you the round.
*The semi final round will be a challenge round where the genre you will be challenge to will be pulled out of a hat. The genre categories will be from the following:
- Deep/Sad
- Mary Jane/ Laid back
- Dark/Evil/187
- Victory/Anthem
*Production teams are allowed
*You should bring a minimum of 12 beats
*Jacking of internet beats will lead to immediate disqualification… And no, you will not get your money back.

Register HERE

Join our Facebook event… then invite all your homies.