Music Examiner checked out Grind Time Now’s rap battle tryouts that were held at the Basement 818. Examiner expected the venue to be a club or a bar but found out that the location is actually a unique store. The Basement 818 is a store that sells graffiti supplies and wall space for customers to create graffiti in designated areas. Music Examiner was surprised at the store’s clever ideas. The Basement 818 embodies hip hop with graffiti art work, custom made t-shirts, and regular rap battles. Music Examiner spoke with Backone UAO RK ADK a gentleman who is a salesperson/artist/spokesperson for the Basement 818 to get additional details on the services that the store offers.
Backone identified Natalie Jones and Marina Luna as the store’s owners. He also explained that they moved to this location as of this past June. He said the store plans on offering classes that teach people how to make graffiti, rap classes, and break dancing classes. Music Examiner asked Backone what he likes the best about working for the store and he said “That the stores keeps graffiti alive, lets kids have a place to do graffiti at, that it is free for them to do it there, and all they have to do is just buy the supplies here.”
Music Examiner discovered that the store has various services in addition to the graffiti designs like they sell concert tickets, art supplies, and even areas of the wall for artists to promote their own art for $10.00 per square foot. Examiner learned that the Basement 818 is called that because it is part of the hip hop underground culture and hosts b-boy battles. Most would imagine that this store’s clientele would be mainly young adults but all ages shop here. Sculptors and every type of artists visit the store too.
If you like hip hop, enjoy some excitement, or have some clever verses then attend one of the Basement 818’s monthly MC battles. It is similar to spoken word but has a lot more energy and the contestants are hungry to outdo each other in order to become the next lyrical champion. The contestants are thick skinned, know how to think on their feet, and can come with words off the top of their head quickly.
It is an event that you have to attend at least one time. You will be amazed at how involved the crowd is in cheering on the contenders. It is like watching a battle of the wits. The next battle will take place on January 29, 2012 at 2PM. There is a $10.00 charge to battle. Special performances and guest judges will be present. Winner takes all and there will be sponsor giveaways. Please note the Grind Time Now tryouts are only held once per year at Basement 818. Basement 818 however, as previously mentioned has its own monthly MC battles.
To keep up to date with Basement 818’s future events and store sales hit the like button on their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Basement-818/198777336817620 or follow them on twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/Basement_818.
Basement 818 is located at:
14516 Ventura Blvd.
Sherman Oaks, CA
(818) 817-3114
Take a look at Basement 818’s Slideshow and Video located on the left hand side of this article.
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Can you rhyme? If so leave me a comment with some dope verses. You may be the next person featured in an interview.
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