In the 1990s, the hip hop genre began to establish itself with the help of rising stars such as Dr. Dre and Aliyaah. Producing and coming out with chart topping music, these and other musicians paved the way for a type of music that swirled together rap and R&B.
As the millennium hit three years ago, this fresh wave of music hit and popularized itself throughout the globe. With the sounds of artists like Jay-Z, Beyonc??, Ashanti and Ja-Rule, people have acquired a positive taste for this smooth yet pop-like music mixed with rhythmic beats. Hip hop attracted an even wider audience with the popularity of Eminem.
Shockingly, despite the ascent of hip hop stars to the pinnacle of mainstream music, Hopkins has generally overlooked this matter. But not any more. Hopkins has finally managed to pull together a student group devoted to hip-hop music and culture, the new Hip Hop Society.
Sophomore David Dittell has a passion for hip hop music. Realizing that the Hopkins' student body was failing to recognize this type of music, he decided to cater to and identify those who also crave hip hop in their lives by conceiving the new society.
As president of the club, Dittell not only appreciates hip hop, but apprehends that many other students at Hopkins will too.
"There was no central place at Hopkins for people to discuss hip hop", Dittell said. "Hip hop is popularizing itself around the world, and finally students at Hopkins are able to discuss and attend concerts dealing with music they like."
Getting off to a fresh start, the hip hop club's first meeting was held on Oct. 22. Though the group is still trying to find a concrete meeting time and place, it is not holding itself back from experiencing as much hip hop flavor as possible in the meantime. In addition to simply discussing music, the society plans on attending a numerous amount of concerts.
On Saturday, Oct. 25, Dittell and other group members attended a concert featuring Raek Won, People Under the Stairs, and Cappadona. On Tuesday, Oct 28, the group experienced the live music of Akrobatik, Aesop Rock, and Murs.
Attending as many concerts as possible, giving student's exposure to a variety of groups and experiencing music firsthand are some of the group's main goals.
"I'm waiting to become van certified so I can take the members to D.C. to see people perform live on a more regular basis," said Dittell.
Students seem excited about the possibilities the new club will provide.
"Musically hip hop is increasing along with the entire culture that comes with it. I think it's great that someone finally started a hip hop society at Hopkins," said Sophomore Jon Lockhart.
The Hip Hop Society consists of a diverse group of students interested in getting away from the burdens of school and immersing themselves in this type of music. Anyone is welcome to come to meetings and attend the concerts. Questions about the society should be sent via e-mail to jhuhiphopsociety@hotmail.com.
