Richmond hip-hop goes online

Sounds of live music, turntables and MCs filled Gallery5 for “Flow,” the Web site launch party for Richmond Worldwide Underground Link.

The lights are dim, the speakers are blasting and the crowd nods their heads to the beat. DJ Mordecai of the Double Standard crew spins tracks such as The Pharcyde’s “Passin Me By” and A Tribe Called Quest’s “Jazz (We’ve Got).”

The Web site launch party is the first in a series of community and art program events that RWUL will organize with Gallery5.

RWUL is a new Web-based service organization that promotes the underground culture of Richmond through creative expression. The organization’s goal is to shed a positive light on hip-hop while providing exposure for many local underground hip-hop and soul artists.

Half of the $5 admission price was donated to the Hilliard House, a local organization that supports homeless women and children.

RWUL split the remaining half with Gallery5 to help the historic landmark stay in business and continue to provide the Richmond community with the best in visual and performing arts.

“Flow” provided a variety of performances from singers, MCs, musicians and DJs. Performers extended their creativity by mixing their talents together in several acts.

RWUL member and public relations representative John Q beatboxes on the microphone while DJ Barnacles and DJ Mordecai spin different records on the same turntable. This creative collaboration appealed to audiences while also exposing them to something new.

Richmond’s urban funk group, No BS Brass Band, combines ’70s and ’80s rock and pop hits in the spirit and sound of New Orleans. Singer and VCU senior Emily Flowers performed with the band’s trombone player for the ’70s Roberta Flack song “Killing Me Softly,” which regained popularity in 1996 when The Fugees covered it.

“I feel like hip-hop is thriving,” said RWUL founder and event producer Rebekah Frimpong. “We want to bring underground hip-hop, jazz, reggae and funk events to Richmond and have fun at the same time.”

Frimpong further emphasized that the state of hip-hop is alive like a heartbeat, and the culture continues on.

Other organizations at the event, such as The Soul Student Movement, share RWUL’s values and cultural purpose.

“Hip-hop isn’t dead; it’s dying. Hip-hop has cancer right now,” said John Parker, Soul Student Movement producer, also known as “Indelible.” “Hip-hop is on a downfall. We’re here to uplift it.”

The movement supports the true essence of hip-hop with a clan of seven MCs and five producers from the Tidewater community. When the MCs of the movement take the stage, they bring originality and give lyrics that are dedicated to the history of hip-hop.

“Flow” was a night of entertainment, but also served as a social networking venue for artists, producers and companies.

Guests received free items such as the “2 up 2 down volume 2” mix tape by Smooth Dirty Productions, LLC. Founder and CEO Allen Watts, also known as “B Hott,” handed out free CDs and informed guests that “2 up 2 down volume 3” will be available at the end of the summer.

Upcoming RWUL events include the B-girl and B-boy break battle at The Camel Caf