HIP HOP WEEK MTL - Sugarface Nene's Top 5 Picks

HIP HOP WEEK MTL 2015

Off the mic and on the record, I want to congratulate everyone involved in organizing this much needed in-depth exploration between "hip hop culture, feminism, gender, race, class, and activism", spanning over the week of March 15th to 21st, 2015 in the beautiful city of Montreal. From those who eat, sleep, and breathe hip hop, to those who know nothing about it, this week is for you! Through panels with special guest speakers, workshops for your hands and brain, and concert showcases to link everyone together, you will be instantly immersed in this thriving culture and community. 

Let's face it, hip hop has always been a male-dominated field, So the fact that Hip Hop Week Montreal (HHWmtl) is covering gender, sexuality, and feminism in hip hop with panels, workshops, plus a showcase and sit-down discussion with the "Jeanius" herself, Jean Grae, you better believe I am going to attend the events below. If you're not heading my way, click here for the full events schedule.

 

A Sit-Down Discussion with Jean Grae
Friday, March 20 - 6:30pm - H-110 Alumni Auditorium, Concordia University, Hall Building 1455 de Maisonneuve W.

If you had to choose only one event from Hip Hop Week to attend, this would be it. What better way to experience hip hop and everything HHWmtl has to offer than wit this intimate and educational sit-down with Jean Grae. From hip hop in the '90s to the present day, Jean Grae has and will continue to challenge us on hip hop, feminism, emceeing, and "not how you do that". And to make things better, this sit-down will be mediated by CJLO "Say Word!" alumni, and my homegirl, Annick "MF Gold". I have no doubt that Annick will stimulate all the right discussions and leave you with your fists up.

 

Big Booty Ho's: Panel on Gender, Sexuality & Feminism in Hip Hop 
Tuesday, March 17 - 6pm - Adams Building, McGill University, 3450 University

Now, what could this panel be about? Oops, let me forget to exercise my rights and drop this handkerchief right here. Big. Booty. Ho. If this title does not interest you, you must be living under a rock. Wake up people, let's talk about sex! It keeps coming up anyhow! Gender, sexuality, and feminism in hip hop, a fine selection of panellists will help us take a real look at "gender role" in hip hop.  

 

Uknowhowwedo: Hip Hop Feminism from Analog to Digital Media
Wednesday, March 18 - 3pm - SSMU Room B-30, McGill University, 3480 McTavish

Forward-thinking workshop leader Nathalie Down, AKA the Feminist Underground, can best define "Uknowhowwedo", true. She will also invite us to her workshopthat explores "how the hip hop feminism is experiencing a resurgence thanks to the digital age". Interestingly, she will also contrast this to the "golden age" of hip hop within the analog age. Come in ready, leave prepared is all I can tell you. 

 

No Bad Sounds: Showcasing Local Artists
Wednesday, March 18 - 9pm - Le Divan Orange, 4234 Saint-Laurent

Seeing how this is our week Hip Hop Week MTL, why not explore the place of Montreal in hip hop? Local Montreal rappers and artists will be given the space to perform and discuss how they see themselves through hip hop music in relation to Quebec, Canada, and the rest of the world. Furthermore, the profits from HHWmtl are directed to No Band Sound Studio (Maison des Jeunes). This is your opportunity to experience first hand the power of a local organization and positive youth development.  

 

Jean Grae + Freddie Joachim + Bambu + Illa J
Friday, March 20 @ Le Belmont, 4483 Saint-Laurent

You know this show will be in my head since I plan to attend the Sit-Down discussion with Jean Grae earlier that day Also, everyone on this list is a must-see! Besides, this is where it all comes together. People and music. Thoughts and inspirations. Hang back and listen to the performances of these talented artists who continue to pave the way for emcees, deejays, and producers alike. At the same time, take this opportunity to solidify friendships made at the panels and workshops throughout the week. Participate, learn, grow, and share.

 

--For more on HHWmtl, tune in to Champions of the Local Scene on Wednesday, March 18th at 6 PM, for a one-hour spotlight on Hip Hop Week Mtl hosted by Kelly "Sugarface Nene" Belfo.