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Choir takes universal view of Hip Hop

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When people think of choirs, they usually associate them with church or some type of classical performing group.

But a new choir is in the works in Los Angeles that is sure to change the way people see, not only choirs, but the entire world of Hip Hop. Visionary producers Marcus Bell and Haskel Jackson Jr. have collaborated to create a revolutionary musical group known as the Hip Hop Choir.

Both Bell and Jackson grew up in the era of the rise of Hip Hop; however, each was introduced to the music in a  different way. Jackson grew up as a fan of the genre, whereas Bell did not fully immerse himself in the music until after college.

Instead, Bell started out as a Jazz musician and transitioned to producing Hip Hop after college. He then evolved into an accomplished producer on an international scale producing hits in countries such as Lebanon, Turkey, Japan, Korea, India, as well as other nations that have embraced the culture of Hip Hop. He has also worked with famous American rappers such as the late Biggie Smalls and legendary Jam Master Jay (whom he looked up to as a mentor in Hip Hop production).

Bell and Jackson have developed a deeper understanding of Hip Hop, and over time have become much more analytical about how they approach the music. They treat it as a living, breathing thing that can touch people on “emotional and vibrational” levels.

The Hip Hop Choir is designed to focus on five core elements of Hip Hop: B-boying, graffiti, DJing, MCing, and most importantly, understanding the history of the music. The first four elements seem to be the most popular among people immersed in pop culture. Jackson believes people are so wrapped up in the style, the clothes, and the beats that they often forget—or don’t care—about the knowledge component of Hip Hop. He further explained that it is essential that people understand the origins of the music.

“Hip Hop is a form of expression of what is happening in the world,” Jackson explained. “In each region of the U.S. that has embraced Hip Hop, [people] were expressing what they were seeing in their ‘hood.’ They were communicating and articulating what was happening and what they were seeing around them.”

It is through this method of expression that Bell and Jackson hope to convey positive messages to their community instead of the negative ones that seem to stigmatize the genre.

After traveling the world and experiencing the almost overwhelming influence Hip Hop has had on an international scale, Bell realized there could be a way to use it as a vessel to carry messages of positivity to the world. He saw how the music touched people of all ages and ethnicities, influenced their thinking and emotions, and resonated with them on so many different levels.

Many people in the Black community believe that Hip Hop music belongs to them and that everyone else is trying to take it away and claim it for their own.

Jackson explains that, “If you are what you are, and you are confident in that, you will want them to (adopt) the culture. It’s a gift, and you want them to have it. They will do what they want to do with it, but you can’t put gridlock on a culture when it expands across the world. It came from nothing to something; it started with truth and not having a voice, and now you have a voice.”

Bell’s vision is centered on the idea of impacting culture through music. “I can create emotions that will uplift people,” he said. “When you see the development of a genre, and then you recognize that we all, as individuals, are responsible; when you start to see yourself as responsible for what’s happening in your neighborhood, in your community, in your life, in your family, then you can powerfully exist with other human beings; you can powerfully exist in life; you can powerfully exist in relationships with family and community. So what I recognized was that I could be responsible for what is happening in the Hip Hop world.”

After the murder of his mentor Jam Master Jay, Bell wanted to separate himself from Hip Hop, but he then saw this moment as an opportunity to embrace the music. If it was powerful enough to influence something as horrible as death, he thought why not use it as a way to influence good and positivity?

Bell also wants to redefine the way Hip Hop is expressed. The choir is based on the idea that people can choose to be who they are; they can choose their own circumstances, and choose not to be involved in negativity. The Hip Hop Choir is somewhat of a musical version of the Boys and Girls Club, where members can come and feel safe to express who they are from a Hip Hop standpoint. This is missing in the community, Bell feels.

Casting calls for members has been limited thus far to people in the Los Angeles area, because the creative duo both agreed that the group is still in its “beta phase” of development. The age range of participants in the choir varies from age six to 65, and the talents of the choir’s members are not limited to just rapping. There are some who are also training with both Bell and Jackson to develop their skills as producers, singers, engineers, and even DJs.

“[Someone once told me] that true artistry is being a contribution,” Bell said. “The best artists get on stage and contribute to the audience. What am I leaving the people with? It’s all about contribution. You’re contributing music to the world; you’re contributing new conversations to the world; you’re contributing old conversations to the world. And you’re doing it with an art form that makes for immortality.”

Bell continued, “This is a place where freedom happens. It’s a place where you can breathe, and be yourself, and be honest. That’s why we allow kids in. It’s a safe environment. We don’t have any fake people around these children, because we are very protective of our babies, and we have the older people (who) can offer wise counsel and act as mentors. It’s almost like setting up Hip Hop ambassadors that have the knowledge and will always be teaching.”

The redefinition of Hip Hop is instrumental in the vision of the choir. Jackson says, “Everyone has their take on Hip Hop. There’s not just one view. There’s [a perception that] if you haven’t been shot 10 times, or you don’t have 80 tattoos, or live a certain lifestyle, you’re not considered Hip Hop. We completely go against that grain because, well, you don’t know what people are going through. You could be Harvard educated and be a Hip Hop head.”

“We are human,” Jackson continued. “We live in this world, and we have been affected by Hip Hop. I’m not going to answer for [other people]. Go ask them. Go ask that kid. Go ask that Caucasian girl from Idaho. They have a Hip Hop story. We all have a Hip Hop story.”

The first auditions for the Hip Hop choir were held in February, and another audition is in the process of being scheduled. For more information about the Hip Hop Choir, visit facebook.com/hiphopchoir.

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