Welcome to the Underground: Philadelphia’s Indie Hip Hop Scene
As many of us already know, Philadelphia is a huge melting pot that is filled with a rich history in the arts, theatre, and music. From Will Smith to The Roots, Philly is known to produce some extraordinary talent. What many of us don’t know is we have a very prominent and thriving Indie Hip Hop Movement that’s evolving in small clubs and hip hop battles around the city. As a DJ that focuses on promoting Indie Hip Hop, R&B, and Pop, I find that there are many talented artist that are overlooked by the ‘BIG NAME’ greats. Think of this as my way of contributing to evening the playing field. Check out some of Philly’s best-kept secrets after the jump.
SHORTY ROC
From the rough streets of Philadelphia to rocking the mic on stages across the country, Shorty Roc is a phenomenon that the world has yet to experience. At age 23, Dshauta Hayward, better known as Shorty Roc, is making a major mark on the entertainment industry. Her rough and raw sound is a reflection of the many trials and tribulations that helped to mold her into the extraordinary lyricist she is today.
Far from the over-exaggerated theatrics of Nicki Minaj, Shorty Roc’s sound is a mix of hard-core hip hop and a strong dose of reality. Her style is in close relation to Philly’s own Bahamadia or a young MC Lyte. As a female lyricist, she strays away from the high profile sex symbol images and stays true to herself and what she chooses to represent. Her music is a strong representation of the many struggles and triumphs she has experienced in life.
For More info about Shorty Roc check out her Facebook and Twitter.
IMPAQ
Rich “Impaq” Harris was born and raised in Philadelphia. Growing up in various sections of the city has allowed him to be diverse and different than others. As a child Impaq started out playing the drums, and eventually learned how to play brass instruments as well as the piano. By time he was a teenager, Impaq became a dedicated musician and found a new passion for poetry which later turned into Hip-Hop and R&B. He felt that whatever he did he wanted to make a positive impact in people lives so he took off the C-T and added a Q for “Impaq”. He focuses on telling life stories about himself and his surroundings, which comes from the heart to the studio, and finally in your ears. He hopes to reach all ages and races with his music.
As a thriving young artist in the city of Philadelphia, Impaq’s music represents the reality of urban city life. Impaq is not a heavy ‘punch-line’ rapper like Lil Wayne- his style is more ‘straight forward’ and direct like Tupac and T.I. The sound quality and music production is well above average, and the content of his music depicts how he interprets living life in an environment where only the strong survive. Impaq’s style is different from the average Philly rapper, who is known to have that ‘battle rapper’ edge. In contrast, Impaq is much more laid back with his delivery- but don’t let that fool you. Although his style is laid back, the content in his lyrics is powerful and set him apart from the rest.
B.A.M.N. (By Any Means Necessary) The Album is Coming Soon!
For More Info about Impaq check out his Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blog.
Lanice London
Born and raised in the city of Philadelphia, Lanice London was consumed with music before the age of 3. As a child from a family of signers and musicians, she was destined to become a product of her environment. At the age of four Lanice started out playing the drums and became an awarded percussion student. This gave her the rhythm and drive for hip-hop music.
Lanice London is definitely a problem. From the metaphors to the tight ‘punch-lines’, London could definitely hold her own in a cipher with some of hip-hop’s heavy weights. She’s not one for the watered down, cotton candy lyrics. Her style and delivery is raw. Based on the songs I’ve listened to, she’s able to write full-length radio ready songs; and she can kill a freestyle cipher. This is my first time getting acquainted with London, so I’m looking forward to hearing and learning more about her.
Go here to stream and download a free mixtape from Lanice London.
For More Info about Lanice London check out her Facebook and Twitter.
- Shameka Sawyer, Guilty Pleasures with Savannah Bre (Wednesdays from 4-6 pm @ WQHS.org)
