The University of Houston Libraries, the HERE Project at Rice University, African American Studies at the University of Houston, and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts at the University of Houston present a conference exploring the unique music and culture of Houston hip-hop. 'Awready!' spotlights the late DJ Screw, originator of the “chopped and screwed” genre. The full schedule and event details may be found at http://lws.lib.uh.edu/hiphop/.
'Awready!' kicks off March 27 with the opening of the “Graffiti, B-Boy and B-Girl Exhibition” (sponsored by the HERE Project, Rice University) at Betz Gallery, 1208 W. Gray, which celebrates the creativity of hip-hop art forms. The opening reception features an interactive performance by local graffiti artists and B-boys, and is free and open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibition runs through April 21.
On March 28, “A Screwed Up History” (sponsored by the UH Libraries with African American Studies and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Center for the Arts at UH) brings together scholars, rappers, DJs and others to tell the story of DJ Screw and Houston hip hop through short presentations and panel discussions. Guests include K-Rino, Willie D, ESG, Lil’ Keke, Z-Ro, Chingo Bling, Paul Wall and more. This event will take place at the University Center at UH from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.
The evening of March 28, the “2012 College DJ Battle” (sponsored by the HERE Project, Rice University) showcases the artistry of the DJ while honoring DJ Screw. College students throughout the state of Texas will compete for the top DJ Award, with local hip-hop DJs serving as judges. This event takes place at Willy’s Pub at Rice University from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and will have a modest cover charge.
Before or after the other events, attendees are invited to view “DJ Screw and the Rise of Houston Hip-Hop” (sponsored by the UH Libraries). This exhibition tells the story of DJ Screw and the Screwed Up Click through original artifacts, as well as documenting earlier pioneers and more recent artists who helped to shape Houston’s sound. It runs from March 19 – Sept. 21 at M.D. Anderson Library at UH and will be open to the public during library hours at no charge.
The conference also introduces to the public the Houston Hip-Hop Archives Network, a partnership developed by the HERE Project and the University of Houston Libraries for preserving the artifacts of Houston hip-hop.
For more information, please contact awready2012@gmail.com.