Apache Cafe hip hop jam session

June 17, 7:30 PMAtlanta Nightlife ExaminerNikki Williams

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Apache Cafe Hip Hop Jam Session: Orphan takes the stage

Just last night, I attended a Hip Hop Jam Session at Apache Café in downtown Atlanta. Apache Café is a nice little seven-day-a-week musical smorgasbord and watering hole open to anyone who dreams of making it big in the music industry and/or to anyone who wants to hear raw, unabashed talent. I, being the latter, was excited to see some of the fresh new talent Atlanta had to offer in the world of Hip Hop. After all, this city has produced such popular acts as T.I., Ludacris, and my personal favorite, Outkast.

Being that it was structured as an open mic night, there was the usual group of white T-shirted, blunt-smoking hooligans hopping around on stage as if they all had to go the bathroom, and rambling on about their allegiance to their fellow “n-words.” But then came a series of individual rhymers who obviously dreamed something larger than making up silly chants with their homies. The influences were easy to see. One looked and sounded like Lil Wayne but had great stage presence and a killer flow. Another obviously idolized Bone Thugs N Harmony and understood the importance of showmanship. Still others understood the unique opportunity they had on stage to sharpen their freestyling skills and promote themselves at other spots around town. I was especially proud of my man, Orphan, who produced a business card during our exchange. Videos of the performers can be checked out here.

At the end, all of the various performers were invited back on stage to bust another on-the-spot flow. It was cool to compare and contrast all of the different styles. I couldn't help but think that this is where Hip-Hop really lives. Not on the radio with thoughtless rhymes and beats formulated to appeal to a mass audience, but instead in the minds and hearts of youth who are just trying so painstakingly to be heard. It's their way to say something beautiful or profound or funny or real. It's their way to reach out to an otherwise cold and unfriendly world and say "I'm here." I wish like hell that I could rap. I guess I do in a way.... except my rap comes in the form of electronic paragraphs bouncing across broadbands, flashing on screens and hopefully being read by you.
 

For more info: Apache Cafe', 64 3rd St. NW, Atlanta, 404.876-5436 or email Nikki Williams.