Hip hop happenings in the City of Roses

~ OFF asked "Soundscan" co-producer Candace Banks this question: "Where's the rap?" She came up with this answer to why hip hop music can't seem to find a footing in Southeast Missouri, when rock acts are everywhere.

Now that our first run with "Soundscan" is coming to an end, we're back to business as usual -- making music videos.

In May we teamed up with Sikeston rap representatives Durty Mo Posse a.k.a. DMP. Using Cape Girardeau as a backdrop, we filmed their first full length music video. Thanks to the help of some friendly local business owners and the cooperation of the city police, we produced some excellent footage.

The Shop Barbershop, Lighthouse Jack's Carwash, and some other locations made for truly awesome sets. Whether you recognize it yet or not, there is an emerging rap music scene in Southeast Missouri. Since we got involved in the music scene about three years ago, we've been approached by a number of rap and hip-hop artists who see James LeBine and me as one of the few sources locally to start expanding their careers.

Until recently, there weren't any venues for them to perform in and they have even fewer places to record. I've had out-of-town urban artists e-mail me and ask if they should include Cape Girardeau as a stop on their tour trail and sadly, I've had to let them know that it's probably not a good idea.

Hip-Hop is begging to be seen in this town, but for some reason the need is being ignored. James and I have cornered the market. We feel we're performing a community service, serving the underserved, if you will. There have been a few openings for the art form with Christian rappers The Church Boys securing a slot at last year's City of Roses Festival and hard-core St. Louis group The Knights of the Round Table taking stage at Main Street Bar earlier this year, but the shows come few and far between.

Personally, I think it'll be a lucrative venture for whoever opens their club or bar up to hip hop acts first. I'll definitely be a patron. Just think of how many cars you see, or hear for that matter, bumping down the street playing some choice rap music. It's an hourly occurrence.

I must admit though, that particular venue will surely be taking a risk when it comes to steady business because the city is chock full of anti-rap activists.

I guess it's the "noise" and the curse words that turn them off.

In spite of the rap haters, the culture is everywhere. Walls and buildings are tagged with spray paint, kids are wearing shirts and shoes customized with air brush art, and dance clubs who play the music can depend on a packed house.

Not to mention the turn-out DMP drummed up for their video shoot.

Local residents were excited to be a part of the production. I spoke to DMP about their struggle to make it as rappers in Southeast Missouri.

They cited many issues with getting support. Club owners inflate prices for performances or express that they don't want "that element" in their establishment.

Group member Molow says he finds the situation discouraging because DMP is attempting to bring positive attention to the area, but the support is not there. They say people brush them off for one reason or another, but tend to embrace those from out of town.

DMP is planning an album release and video viewing party for those interested in witnessing the state of hip hop in Southeast Missouri. As for why you should listen to their music, Molow, Trilla, and Rio-G compare their music to "a bowl of cereal in the morning", you just have to have it!

You can reach Candace at cnbanks@gmail.com

For more information on the Soundscan TV show check out http://soundscan.50webs.com.