Hip Hop Karaoke NYC :: Blog

HHK - Brooklyn Bowl This Friday!

2010-04-29T12:18:00.004-04:00

Hip Hop Karaoke is proud to bring New York's most popular hip-hop event to Brooklyn Bowl for the first time. If you've never been to Brooklyn Bowl, it's a 20,000-plus square foot center that includes bowling alley, restaurant (with food supplied by Blue Ribbon), bar and concert venue.

Eat. Bowl. Rap. It ain't no more to it.

Hip Hop Karaoke
Friday, April 30th
Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave.
Sign-up @ 9, Show @ 10

Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. And don't forget to check out our Photos section for pics of the HHK Championship and last month's Biggie Tribute

and

the Official Video for the Hip Hop Karaoke Championship.

See you tomorrow,

- The HHK Crew

Weekend at Diggedy's (the gifted unlimited edition)

2010-04-23T18:38:00.000-04:00

Felt inspired this week to bring this back.

Really hard to put into words what Guru meant to me on a personal level.

Throughout high school and college, I had dreams (some might say delusions) of one day having a career as an emcee. My original name was The Furious One, which then became Josh Diggedy, which then became the Lyrical Jester, which then became Josey Wales. Yeah. I don't know wtf I was doing/thinking. While I wasn't awful, "don't quit your day job" definitely applied here. When I was 16, I used to make people "pause" tapes (i'd stay up all night taping Club 89 and Stretch & Bobbito, dub the good sh*t, and pass 'em around to people who gave me blank TDK's). To try to make them a little unique, I'd drop some verses that I'd record using headphones as a mic. Someone recently sent me an mp3 from one of those mixes they found. The first four and a half minutes of this mp3 are a 16 year old Diggedy rapping about all sorts of nonsense. What the f*ck does this have to do with Guru? You listen to those 4:30 and tell me that this 16 year old kid didn't spend all of his time listening to Gang Starr records and think he was Guru.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/l94qex

Any time I thought to myself "there's nothing unique about my flow, I should put the pen down", I looked at Guru and his "monotone style". There was nothing fancy about Guru. No behind the back passes. No windmill dunks. No double nickel nights at the Garden. If rap is basketball, Guru was that dude with12 points, 14 boards, 3 blocks, and 2 steals... He brought that Charles Oakley style to every track. And his team always won.

I'd be lying if I said I was still checking for any and everything he put out now. But throughout my childhood, all the way through to adulthood, Guru was "that dude" to me. I hear a Gang Starr record and i have vivid memories of where I was when I was listening to those albums. He may be gone, but his music - and the memories - will live on forever. RIP Guru. And more importantly.... thanks.

So hard to choose tracks, but here are just a few:

Gang Starr - "Ex Girl To The Next Girl"
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ox7wbr

This is still my favorite Gang Starr record ever. When I was dealing with women problems, THIS is the song that I would play. If I was allowed to walk through this life with theme music playing in the background, this track would be choice numero uno. Next!

Gang Starr - "Gotta Get Over"
http://www.sendspace.com/file/2tth06

This track was off of the Trespass soundtrack (underrated flick I haven't seen in maaaaad long). Back in high school, my boy Drew and I would get up at 6am, take the bus and the train from Queens to the Village, and sneak in as someones guest so that we could ball at the NYU gym. Drew would bring a boom box, and on this one trip, I supplied the latest Diggedy pause tape. It was the weekend after I heard "Gotta Get Over" on Stretch and Bob for the first time. It was the second song on the tape. It was a 60 minute commute. Without any exaggeration, we never made it to song 3. Drew and I ran back this song the entire trip. Will never forget that sh*t.

House of Pain featuring Guru - "Fed Up" (remix)
http://www.sendspace.com/file/sje3xm

I always loved how the two of them started their verses by using the others notable quotables...Not many speak on this one, but I always loved it. Download it!

Gang Starr - "Moment of Truth"
http://www.sendspace.com/file/7z9co7

This was the last great Gang Starr record to me. This is the one that right now I'm playing it, with a Heineken in my hand, and it's really starting to hit me again.

Gifted.
Unlimited.
Rhymes.
Universal.

Thank you.

2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship Video Sum Up.

2010-04-07T10:29:00.002-04:00

FULL SCREENThe Sounds of VTech / hhk_2010vid

Shout to VTech!

http://music.vtechphones.com/2010/04/hip-hop-karaoke/#fbid:h28azdGXsmN

HHK on Hipster Puppies

2010-04-04T03:11:00.006-04:00

If y'all never heard of Hipster Puppies, it's a hysterical site combining pictures of ridiculously cute puppies and pithy statements hipsters would say. We've been fans for a minute anyway but then we came upon this:

"its fun to go to “hip-hop karaoke” with mr. noodles, but he does the same biggie song like every damn time"

Props to you, Mr. or Mrs. Hipster Puppy person. Now we just have to find out if BK Bowl allows pets.

On to the next...

2010-03-23T09:23:00.000-04:00

The next edition of Hip Hop Karaoke will be held on Friday, April 30th at BROOKLYN BOWL!

If you haven't been there before -- now is your chance. They have bowling, food from Blue Ribbon (YES!!), great stage, sound, & lights. Really, really nice place. It'll be the first time we've ever done HHK at BK Bowl and we're really looking forward to the experience.

Peace.

wex.

Celebrate BIGGIE - TONIGHT!!!

2010-03-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

I love these nights. You will too.

We have a dope prize for the best BIGGIE performance tonight.

We also have a sort of secret, sort of great, tribute on deck for another emcee we love.

What else you need to know?

9pm.

Just be there. Timbs on and all.

*WEX*

ONE WEEK AWAY...

2010-03-06T11:41:00.000-05:00

From not only the RETURN of HHK - it's been SEVEN MONTHS since we rocked a regular event, and NINE MONTHS since we've been indoors - but also one of our biggest annual events: THE 4TH ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO BIGGIE SMALLS.

And of course, where else can we celebrate but in Brooklyn???

The HHK squad is ready to get back in action, and personally, I cannot wait to be able to serve as "hype man" again. No one, and I mean no one, puts Diggedy in the corner.

What better way to get amped up for this occasion, than by revisiting last years opener:

SEE YOU NEXT SATURDAY, MARCH 13TH!

Dee eye double gee essssssssssssss

Look at Yourself!

2010-02-10T12:22:00.001-05:00

Props to Interview Magazine for their photo spread of the HHK Championship. Our in-house photographer Jon is getting flayed as we speak for getting scooped.

Check it here.

Saturday, March 13th.

2010-02-06T00:37:00.002-05:00

Championship Video Compilation

2010-02-02T14:13:00.003-05:00

While the HHK Crew is retreating in the lab editing footage from the Championship, props to We Stole the Show for putting together this compilation of the event.

Congratulations and Thanks

2010-01-31T21:58:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to Irving Plaza Friday night for the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship.

Thanks to Peter Rosenberg, Buckshot and Big Daddy Kane for their humor, astuteness and insight.

Thanks to Vtech, Allhiphop and Metromix for helping making this thing happen.

And most importantly, thank you to the 12 competitors for their tireless practice and courage to rip it in front of over 1,000 people.

But there could only be one winner. Congratulations to Jessica for taking the crown with "Scenario," "Doo Wop" and "My Adidas."

We'll have photos and videos up shortly. In the meantime, we highly recommend you check out Metromix's awesome photo gallery for pics from Friday and video of the finale with Buckshot and Kane trading verses. Instant classic.

See you soon,

The HHK Crew

2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship - TONIGHT!

2010-01-29T06:43:00.003-05:00

This is it, folks. They've been practicing for months, made it past regional championships and now 12 of HHK's finest are ready to compete in the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship at Irving Plaza. They'll be judged by Hip Hop royalty.

The Judges:

BIG DADDY KANE

BUCKSHOT

Hot 97's PETER ROSENBERG

If you haven't already, meet the 12 competitors: Damali, Jason, K-Dot, Chef, Diego, RDJ, Santiago, Jessica, Thomas, Charlie, Doni D, and Dashaun. These 12 great people will be representing HHK on the big stage tonight!

Tickets are available at the Irving Plaza box office from Noon-6:30 p.m. and also at http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/414465

Any remaining tickets will be available at Irving Plaza starting at 8:00 p.m. Last year's event sold out shortly after doors so if you want to ensure entry, grab 'em now.

Don't forget to head over to Allhiphop.com, Metromix.com and VTech, the three hardest-working crews in the business.

Doors at 8, show starts around 9/9:30. Hit us up with any questions and see you at the Championship!

--The HHK Crew

ONE DAY AWAY!!!

2010-01-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen -- WE ARE ONLY ONE DAY AWAY from the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship!

Who will be #1?!? We'll know the answer to that question tomorrow night, when one the 12 competitors is crowned champ and handed a cool one thousand dollar grand prize.

Remember, today is the LAST day to get $13 NO SERVICE FEE tickets from us directly. Hit us up at info@hiphopkaraokenyc.com ... like now... and we will get you tickets for the lowest price possible, $13.

Oooooooohweeeeeeeeee!!

Two Days Away!!

2010-01-27T11:10:00.000-05:00

We are TWO DAYS AWAY. As seen below in the comments, the contestants are busy preparing. Most of which have been reciting their lyrics in public, so much so, people are starting to stare. And that's just fine!

Something important -- Tomorrow (Thursday) is the LAST DAY to get NO FEE tickets direct from us, the HHK Crew. We've been flooded with requests and are processing each and every one with care. If you want to save money on your tickets, email us at info@hiphopkaraokenyc.com and we'll take care of you. It's the cheapest way to see the Championship -- and trust us, you want to see the Championship.

Peace!

wexington---

Thank you

2010-01-27T10:57:00.000-05:00

Special thank you shout out to VTech Music, who is one of the sponsors for the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship.

One of their products is a Wifi Internet Radio unit, which is pretty dope. In fact, VTech is giving one of these units to the winner on Friday night, as well as the two runner ups!

You can follow VTech Music on Twitter at @vtechmusic

Three Days Away!

2010-01-26T10:33:00.002-05:00

The countdown is on, folks! Just three short days away until the party goes down at Irving Plaza.

Damali, Jason, K-Dot, Chef, Diego, RDJ, Santiago, Jessica, Thomas, Charlie, Doni D, and Dashaun are the 12 people who will be representing HHK on the big stage on Friday night. If you haven't already, click on their names to catch up on their video profiles.

Also, you can see the performances that got them to the Championship, by heading to hhkchampionship.com and clicking on their photos...

Four Days Away!

2010-01-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

I really can't believe it. We're only 4 days away from the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship. Wow.

I can't even imagine what's going through the contestants minds. The rehearsals, the amount of times they've recited their verses, the friends and the family that are excited to see it all, etc!

We're really excited too. We've worked for months now to put together a really great show -- and I think it will be. If you haven't already, buy some damn tickets. You won't regret it!

WEX

Noisemakers

2010-01-24T16:59:00.000-05:00

Since we've announced Peter Rosenberg as one of the three judges for the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship... it's probably a good time to let you all get to know him a bit better (if you don't already!). One of our favorite projects of his is a series called Noisemakers, in which Peter interviews hip hop legends, on stage in front of a live audience, and manages to get all of the behind the scenes nitty gritty tidbits that hip hop nerds like us eat up.

Here, he speaks with Q-Tip about how Busta Rhymes almost became a member of A Tribe Called Quest:

Sad news...

2010-01-22T17:22:00.000-05:00

This event revolves around an era of rap that we refuse to let be forgotten....

One of those early 90's soldiers passed away today.

RIP Apache.

So here's a little mini Weekend at Diggedy's....

My favorite Apache song:

"Hey Girl" - http://sharebee.com/5de9b0dc

Dope ass Large Professor beat....

peace

Third & Final Judge Announcement!

2010-01-22T10:19:00.003-05:00

We are extremely pleased to announce that our third and final judge for the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship is HOT 97's PETER ROSENBERG!

In the nearly 2 years that he has been on New York’s Hot 97, Peter Rosenberg has made an indelible mark on New York radio and the global hip hop landscape. His voice can be heard every weekday morning on Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg, a morning show that is revolutionizing urban radio, and every Sunday night on Real Late with Peter Rosenberg. His persona on both of these shows, characterized by his quirky and unique spin on hip hop culture and New York life has made him a fixture on the hip hop scene. But what has endeared him to people most has been his undying passion for everything he covers, whether it’s hip hop, sports, professional wrestling, comedy, politics or entertainment. And that passion isn’t only heard on the radio. Peter’s brand is global because of his strong presence in the blogosphere and on YouTube which he began building even before he was on Hot 97.

And let's not forget too... Peter isn't entirely new to HHK. Remember this??

So, along with legendary emcee's BIG DADDY KANE and BUCKSHOT, we complete the trio of judges!

Take notice, the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship is 7 days away!!!! Ohhhhh shhheeeeeeiiiiiitt!!!!

dj wex.

Long Live the Kane

2010-01-17T16:19:00.002-05:00

We think Big Daddy Kane is one of the best to ever do it. We couldn't be more thrilled to have him as one of our three judges for the Hip Hop Karaoke Championship. Check out this CLASSIC Kane moment to see why nobody will ever do it like Kane does it...

Meet Thomas

2010-01-17T15:11:00.002-05:00

better late than never, right?

Go All Out

2010-01-17T15:01:00.000-05:00

As you know, legendary Duck Down emcee BUCKSHOT, is one of our three judges for the Hip Hop Karaoke Championship. One of our favorite Buck moments over the last couple years has got to be this video for "Go All Out" featuring Charlie Murphy. A must watch!

Memory Lane

2010-01-16T18:36:00.000-05:00

With the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship just about two weeks away, we're really starting to amped. So amped that we've been patrolling youtube and looking at some of our favorite Hip Hop Karaoke moments over the years. This is definitely up there, top 5.

OC paying homage to Biggie Smalls...

Guest Blogger: Santiago

2010-01-14T21:07:00.000-05:00

Here's Santiago with his guest spot on the HHK blog...

HHK as a Vehicle to Discover Unsigned Rappers?

In the world of vocalists / singers, the way to introduce the public to unsigned recording artists is through performances of recognized material. For example, American Idol, P Diddy’s Star Maker, and X-Factor all revolve around vocalists performing songs of well-established artists whose material is known to the public. It is an artist’s mastery of existing material that often endears them to the masses (think Kelly Clarkson’s cover of Aretha Franklin). If unsigned vocalists are successful in resonating with audiences by virtue of their unique renditions of cover songs, then they are given the opportunity to go on to impress the public with their own original material. But this is only after having proven themselves with the classics.

While covering vocal tracks by singers is standard industry practice, there is yet to be widespread acceptance of new hip-hop artists / MCs / rappers gaining respect and notoriety for performing classic hip-hop songs as a way to gain introduction into the music industry. This dynamic is likely because the art of rhyming is based on individual persona and, unlike singers, the success of a rapper often hinges on personal background / life story. In the traditional sense, covering another rapper’s lyrics is considered “biting”, about the lowest form of expropriation in the culture of hip-hop (exceptions are made if established rappers cover well-known songs, like on the VH1 Hip-Hop honors). One of the most important characteristics of a successful MC, particularly during the Golden Age, was a unique, idiosyncratic style and form of expression. Thus, the thought of a new hip-hop artist covering another rapper’s lyrics to gain respect and admiration was not even in consideration.

But now, thirty-six years into the creation of hip-hop music, there are songs that are considered incontrovertible classics that rank in the same field as songs by the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, or Marvin Gaye. These songs have stood the test of time. From Rakim to Run DMC, A Tribe Called Quest to Mobb Deep, Biggie Smalls to Pharcyde, many rap songs have become to rappers what Beethoven symphonies have become to pianists: indispensable material that must be learned and mastered. As time progresses, I wonder whether the rap industry might begin to mirror the R&B/vocalist industry and demand that unsigned talent demonstrate a command of classic material in order to be taken seriously. And if that ever comes to pass, isn’t it conceivable that HHK could become a vehicle to discover unsigned rappers?

Granted, just because a performer can nail down a classic hip-hop song doesn’t necessarily make them an MC or lyricist capable of writing their own rhymes, freestyling, or expressing a relevant and creative viewpoint. But, on the flipside, if you can’t hold down the classics, then your skills as a true MC must be called into question. If, as an aspiring rapper, you cannot captivate an audience with a song that everybody already knows, what chance do you have to impress with your original material?

While longstanding Hip-Hop events such as “Lyricist Lounge,” “End of the Weak”, “Show and Prove” and “Faces in the Crowd” – all of which are unsigned artist showcases based in NYC through which rappers develop their style and break into the competitive New York music industry – continue to draw crowds, none of these events currently attract as large or as enthusiastic crowds as HHK. Certainly, none of these unsigned artist showcases could sell out a venue like Irving Plaza. What this says to me is this: hip-hop audiences in NYC prefer to see unsigned rappers perform recognized material. And as a hip-hop fan, once I see a performer like RDJ, Keith, Chef or Damali tear down a classic, I can’t help but imagine what their original material might be like . . .

[Footnote: At my age, I don’t view HHK as a vehicle to get a record deal, it’s more about living out a fantasy of what it would be like to have a record deal. :) My above meditation on HHK’s potential impact on aspiring rappers is really more applicable to the under 25 set - and I think we have a few in the finals, so A&Rs take note]

-Santiago