The Eberly College of Arts and Sciences will host a free hip-hop concert and panel discussion Feb. 6 as part of its fourth annual Eberly Roundtable.
This year’s event will celebrate the culture, community, creativity and identity of hip-hop in Appalachia by highlighting the vibrant and often overlooked contributions of rural hip-hop artists.
Panel discussion
“Can West Virginia Get a Good Rap?,” moderated by Javier McCoy, interim director of the Center for Black Culture, will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Brooks Hall, Room 325.
Panelists include the following:
Katelyn Best, assistant professor of musicology at West Virginia University
Austin McCoy, assistant professor of history at West Virginia University
Angie Luvara, assistant professor of sociology at Frostburg State University
Ted Olson, professor of Appalachian studies at East Tennessee State University
GRDN, the “Capital City Pop Princess” from Charleston
Hip-hop concert
The Eberly Roundtable will conclude with a live hip-hop concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Canady Creative Arts Center, Gladys Davis Theater. Doors and merchandise tables will open at 7 p.m. and a reception will follow the concert.
The concert will showcase the unique perspectives of small town and rural hip-hop artists, featuring performances by the following:
Deep Jackson, a prominent figure in the Appalachian hip-hop scene that has dropped eight projects since 2009. His music brings a unique blend of storytelling and rhythm that reflects his roots and experiences.
Shelem, known for his dynamic stage presence and lyrical prowess, has been making waves in the regional music scene with his innovative approach to hip-hop. He strives to create a magnificent experience with every song, performance, video and interaction.
GRDN, dubbed the “Capital City Pop Princess,” offers a fresh fusion of pop and hip-hop elements.
Monstalung, based in Morgantown, is an artist, beatmaker, songwriter, author and content creator. He ran his own record label for 15 years, achieving radio play on local, Top 40 and college stations, securing TV placements and performing alongside national acts.
“We are excited to bring these emerging hip-hop artists to campus,” said Scott Davidson, Eberly Roundtable coordinator and director of the Multidisciplinary Studies Program. “While the concert will provide a platform for these artists from West Virginia, we hope that the panel will prompt reflection on the vital importance of creative work to this region and the distinctive cultural forms developing here.”
The Eberly Roundtable is an annual interdisciplinary forum that brings together scholars, artists and community members to engage in discussions central to the WVU land-grant mission and regional identity.
RSVP to the panel discussion and reserve a free ticket for the concert.