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| Diverse ART's visionary, Niki Kealoha, & I. |
As a 2011 graduate, the Department
of Education decided to give us a parting gift by implementing a new senior
project requirement beginning with our class. Many dreaded the idea, as many
whose plan it was for a lax year was ruined by the stresses of a paper, field
work, and ultimately a presentation in front of a panel consisting of teachers
and community members. However, we were allowed the freedom to choose our
topic. Having been interested in the visual element of street art for quite
some time, I chose hip-hop and didn't turn back. When it came time to find a
mentor and a place for field work, I stumbled across Diverse ART Center's website and
contacted Nicole Kealoha, the Center's founder and director. Little did I know
that a project I had, at first, so despised would be more than just that. It
became a passion and a lifestyle I fell in love with, and continue to do so to
this day. Diverse ART, 808 Urban, and
the Lightsleepers are just a few of the organizations that have been major
contributors to Hawaii’s
hip-hop scene.
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| We set standards for the kids at the studio, requiring grade checks for those on scholarship. With a young writer having trouble in English, it was Niki's idea to utilize the legal wall at the Center; I read him vocabulary words and he would write the definition, synonym, and antonym on the wall, working on his handstyle while studying for his test. |
At first glance, Diverse ART Center may appear as just
another dance studio offering the usual dance classes such as street
choreography. Just as the name implies, not only were there dance classes
offered, there were also writing, DJing, and emceeing at one’s fingertips. As I have learned over my time at the studio,
there was absolutely more to hip-hop than I could imagine. It was greater
than simply the dancing and the music. It is an art form, bringing
knowledge and a community together. Although it is often an overlooked
element, knowledge is of utmost importance to educate the younger generation
for the future of hip-hop, as especially stressed by the Center.
Following how hip-hop was used as an alternate means of an outlet for
aggression, Diverse ART provides a unique place unlike traditional dance
studios to freely express oneself without limitations. Sure, skill comes
with practice, but knowledge of the self and one's character is developed as
well. Not only are classes offered at
Diverse, but they have outreach programs and school tours in order to
promote a positive message. Just as
important as knowledge is the concept of ʻohana stressed in our
community. Everyone is welcome, regardless of your element, ethnicity,
age, or any other factor – in spite of the general state of hip-hop today and
division of the elements. Ultimately, the Center revolves around the
concepts of peace, love, and unity.
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| Prime holding a workshop for Pow! Wow! Hawaii 2012. |
808 Urban, a non-profit organization founded by John “Prime”
Hina, also has programs targeted at the youth of Hawaii through hip-hop.
The element of writing and street art-type of
murals is particularly utilized to encourage creativity through an often
misunderstood art form, with the hopes of inspiring them to not only better themselves but the world around them.
Education of the
local culture and politics is prominent through various pieces to promote
important messages visible for the public, such as social reform.
Where art programs in
schools decrease, the community steps up.
Although many teens unfortunately head down the wrong path, 808 Urban
hopes to intervene and steer them into the right direction.
With murals island-wide, various free
workshops offered, and joint efforts with other community organizations, 808 Urban has been successful in fulfilling their vision throughout the years.
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| Kavet spinning at a Johnny Cupcakes event. |
Lightsleepers is a part of Hawaii’s hip-hop’s history,
starting off as a KTUH radio show and propelling the local scene’s growth ever
since, particularly with DJs and emcees.
With Kavet “the Catalyst” Omo as the Lightsleeper’s founder and host,
the show gained immense popularity as numerous local artists would have their
tracks played and even drop a freestyle verse live on the air.
Well-known artists would stop by as well,
with the local artists eventually finding their own claims to fame, such as
producing for many mainstream artists today.
Lightsleepers have created multiple mixtapes and CDs, even receiving
international attention as the tapes have traveled.
Events such as Beatroot (producer battles)
and Inertia (bboy battles) continue to run strong.
Like the others, community is a vital
component, just as it was when everyone of varying backgrounds had been cramped in the KTUH studio to
listen to the music and simply hang out, brought together by the love of hip-hop. No animosity had been displayed during jams, when everyone would even shake hands when it was over - the aloha spirit has been constant.
It has been almost four years since
I first stepped foot in the Center and about three years since senior project
had ended, when Niki had given me the option to stay. Although unique in their own regards, it is
because of hip-hop organizations and community leaders such as these that many
have found their calling, including myself.
Together, they have developed the hip-hop scene for the better, using it
as a tool to educate the youth and ultimately impact their lives in a positive manner - without discrimination and aloha instead.
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| Easily one of my favorite places to be. Back mural done by writer East3. |
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