Oberlin College will explore the political and cultural traditions of hip hop during a three-day conference beginning today. The roots of hip hop run far deeper than expensive music videos, popular clothing lines, bling-bling and blisteringly loud music. “Hip hop is a combination of history, business, politics and activism,” said first-year Devona Sharpe, a member of the And What? dance troupe. 

The conference will utilize a myriad of scholars, platinum recording artists, DJs, graffiti artists, journalists, community activists and student hip hop devotees to examine hip hop’s historical culture. The agenda includes a heady list of performers: hip hop luminary Talib Kweli, lyricist Immortal Technique, journalist and hip-hop historian Davey D, scholar and specialist in 20th century African-American culture and politics Tricia Rose, plus cultural critic Bakari Kitwana and on-campus student groups Guerilla 16 and the And What? dance troupe.

“To get this diverse outlook on hip hop culture and history is exciting,” said sophomore Susie Sun, a biochemistry major who enjoys how music is used as a form of politics. 

Among the specific events will be presentations on “Social Responsibility in Music,” “Hip Hop Music (History, Technology, Commodification, Sex),” “Political Action and Social Responsibility in Hip Hop” and workshops on DJ performance, graffiti and youth forums. A concert including artists Talib Kweli, Immortal Technique, Medusa and Oberlin’s own Guerrilla 16 will rock the stage in an intimate setting for students.

Another celebrated performance of the Battle of the Beasts will return. Last year’s inaugural battle included hip hop legend Breeze EvahFlowin’ and several participants from all over the country. The finalists included Oberlin anthropology major senior Aaron Merkin and lauded wordsmith Mecca. Mecca has since gone on to be featured in Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype” for lyrically gifted MCs who have yet to secure a deal. 

This time around, the battle includes the return of Breeze EvahFlowin’ and many of the country’s top underground MCs. “We wanted to bring a unique perspective of music and politics to campus. We felt that we could be progressive and raise the bar,” said senior Christopher Ikpoh.

Guerrilla 16 is an on-campus group comprised of an eclectic breadth of musicians, writers and MCs from all over the world. The group, with MCs Iron Solomon (senior Aaron Merkin), Mongoose (sophomore Darylle Johnson), Catalyst (sophomore Jovan Campbell) and the Prophet Isaiah (junior Isaiah Elwell), includes a live band consisting of acclaimed conservatory students. Guerilla 16 produces politically astute lyrics and a funky sound. “The use of gifted Conservatory students allowed greater depth in our music and art,” said Merkin.

Kassa Overall, a sophomore Conservatory student, elegantly pounds on the drums. Theo Croker, a traveled jazz trumpeter, provides funk, jazz and pizzazz to politically charged rhymes. Fellow conies senior Max Hellermann (jazz guitar), junior Lewis Martinez (classical bass) and junior John Orduna (voice) accentuate the group’s musical depth and precision.

The MCs are diverse in their own right. Iron Solomon (senior Aaron Merkin) is a rosy-cheeked schoolboy with a powerful voice and clever lyrics. Merkin was exposed to jazz, funk and rock and roll as a youngster in New York City. His father, a skilled pianist and composer, taught him the technical aspects of making music and merging genres. Merkin has won a handful of MC competitions including Cleveland’s prized Battle of the Belts.

Isaiah Elwood is majoring in African-American studies with a concentration in TIMARA studies. He spends his free time mixing and matching beats in the TIMARA lab.

Darylle Johnson has a natural stage presence. His energy and enthusiasm for hip-hop culture is evident in his campus leadership. Johnson has celebrated soul, dance and the spoken word through his campus involvements with Colors of Rhythm and Soul Session.

Jovan Campbell is a creative writing major from Baltimore, Maryland. Campbell introduced his talents during the first-year talent show. The wordsmith took the stage and captivating his classmates with a lyrically brilliant performance. The Oberlin Review wrote, “His performance was truly inspired. Watch out for this guy.”

Their work at Oberlin has inspired their career ambitions. “Working on the Hip Hop Conference taught us great business skills and provided insight into the industry,” said Ikpoh. Aside from being performers, those members of Guerilla 16 have helped plan, organize, book and promote the conference and the political and social implications of their art form.

“This experience has provided us with confidence for our future career interest,” said Merkin.