KRS-One, Talib Kweli, and Kendrick Lamar to Waka Flocka, OJ da Juiceman, and Gucci Mane are all a part of hip-hop, according to Ceita Bobb-Semple, or “Big Rec” as his fans call him. Rec has been rapping since 1994 and released more than seven critically acclaimed, independent albums as a solo artist as well as with his group, THE-5IVE. He says, “Someone’s personal preference doesn’t define an artist’s inclusion in the culture. Of course, not everyone agrees with this, but I believe it to be true.”
He is, in fact, so convinced of this that he started the Real Hip Hop is Back movement. Birthed in 2005, the RHHIB movement is attempting to bridge the gap between youth and elders, and musically bridge the gap in hip hop between the mainstream and underground. Hip hop lacks balance, according to Big Rec, but the RHHIB movement is about being that balance, focusing on a unified culture rather than its various forms of expression.
“The beautiful thing about hip hop is there’s something for everyone, from youth to elder and from crunk to conscious,” says Rec. Thus, the movement is not about identifying who is making real music or not. The word “Real” in RHHIB is not defined as the opposite of “fake.” This is “Real” defined as “original intent and purpose; authentic, genuine and true.”
Currently, the movement is made up of a diverse group of like-minded artists, teachers, philanthropists and multimedia specialists who all connect with the vision, including Playboy Tre, Jarren Benton and superproducers Focus and the legendary Diamond D (D.I.T.C.). Their recent music project, RHHIB Mixtape, Volume III, is the final installment of his RHHIB mixtape series. This project was mixed by DJ Dub Floyd, and includes a crop of amazing emcees from across the country. Phene, Ness Lee, Lyric Jones, Shred TVT (of THE-5IVE), Mic Barz, Joe Stu, Sash La’Ki, and several others make appearances, about 20 in total.
Similar to hip hop culture as a whole, RHHIB is based upon five principal elements:
entertainment, philanthropy, education, mentoring, and spiritual enlightenment. Big Rec’s decision to begin this movement came about from a passion for making a difference in his culture, specifically in the lives of this generation of young people. He says to be on the lookout for RHHIB-sponsored events/concerts, youth seminars, food drives and much more.
RHHIB will also be involved several upcoming events around Atlanta, including a weekly event at Eastside Lounge, 485 Flat Shoals Ave, Atlanta, GA, called Turn’d Up Tuesdays.
–annette johnson
Allwrite Advertising & Publishing
