| Show Hop Hop Event Hits Home Martha Carter Arts Editor Hip hop has become commercialized commercialized commercialized com com- over the past decade as a result of its larity The radio is flooded with processed formulaic music Trendy clothing lines and television shows use the genre to line the pockets of corporate bigwigs who wouldn't know the difference between Run and Nelly The original concept of hip hop was defined by four elements graffiti break- break dancing and DJs This past Saturday night Club in Park City honored the foundation of hip hop by throwing a party which revolved around these four elements The event entitled Tuff City was packed and those attending enjoyed entertainment and competition throughout the night is a large nightclub nightclub nightclub night night- club with several bars booths tables and long cushioned bal bal- bal bal- conies It is the premiere hotspot for the Sundance Film Festival and the perfect destination destination destination desti desti- nation for a weekend getaway just thirty minutes from the Salt Lake Valley Saturday along the back of the stage was a large wall built of plywood Two vo graffiti artists created a giant mural with multi-colored multi The artists Lee and Rob Hobbs are from one of the original graffiti crews in Salt Lake City They painted with unique flamboyant ant styles their letters appearing appearing appearing appear appear- ing almost three Their methods have evolved over the years although nowadays nowadays nowa nowa- nowadays days both artists restrict their painting to occasional legal walls Next to the graffiti artists on the stage two DJs DJ s controlled the room spinning underground underground underground under under- ground and commercial music DJ Circuit opened the night followed by the headliner DJ Brisk crew Soul Funk provided additional entertainment All six breakers live in the Salt Lake area and perform at local clubs schools and special events A circle was cleared and the breakers took turns in the ring The crowd cheered as they performed performed performed per per- formed footwork and other acrobatic moves contorting their bodies with amazing strength and agility We train a lot said Soul Funk Member Moses Castillo Every day five hours a d day aYe An MC battle took place at midnight Local rappers entered to win in in cash and prizes An MC battle can be intense as participants are given a time tim limit to creatively ly belittle their opponent Five signed up each of them young and on fire Contestants spit elaborate rhymes bashing each others other's appearance and abilities The insults were harsh from what could be heard over a massive reverberating sound system After several rounds the judges were undecided with two finalists Eventually the crowd made the decision and West Valley Resident Raymond Martinez known as MC took home cash plus prizes from and the Click Skate and Snow The night remained high energy as bartenders rushed to accommodate a thirsty crowd and customers marveled at the entertainment It was a really fun night said Shari Shan Turner from Salt Lake It was definitely definitely definitely different than what were we're used to closed the doors around 1 30 am a.m. with a nearly finished mural exhausted break dancers and a highly satisfied clientele |
