The Deejay was initially the centre of the hip hop universe (and to turntablists still are), spinning records and scratching up the vinyl, dropping breakbeats that the b-boys ‘n’ b-girls embraced. The emcee (Microphone Controller or rapper or lyricist) emerged at parties, evolved from the dj calling out from the decks to a braggadocio individual doing call and response to an enraptured crowd! ‘Throw your hands in the air- and wave them like you just don’t care’. The role of the emcee grew immensely to the point it is today with rap music often mistakenly being viewed solely as hip hop.

What we offer:

‘This or That’ hip hop show on Phoenix FM community radio. Tune in to hear local, national and international indie hip hop. We also give young emcees and deejays a platform for their music to channelled directly into their local community. Conducting interviews with some of the freshest emcees is also a habit we promote- having interviewed The Hilltop Hoods and Ugly Duckling amongst others.

Workshops:

We have several emcess who can work in small groups or with individuals in school and community settings to create beats and rhymes. Areas we specialise in are working with marginalised young people and those disengaged from school. Our hip hop program can assist with literacy, provide avenues for positive self expression and provide young people with positive role models. Our program aligns itself with VELS. Outcomes include producing a CD, being afforded performance opportunities and radio play.

Performances:

Just as we can offer dancers for events we can also offer emcees and deejays. Artists down with Hiphopportunities have supported Muph and Plutonic, Phrase, The Winnie Coopers and Pez and 360.