If you're in the north west and haven't been already there's still time to go to Manchester's Central Reference Library to see an exhibition charting the history of hip hop culture in the city. Using donated artefacts- clothing, tapes, empty paint cans, turntables, record sleeves, trainers, flyers- the Manchester Hip Hop Archive have told the story from the ground up, starting in the early 80s when against a backdrop of Thatcher and post-industrial decline breakdancing, graffiti and rap began to seep from the streets of New York to the pedestrianised precincts of Manchester through to the late 80s and 90s when homegrown talent began to breakthrough on microphone and twin decks and via pirate radio and into the 21st century. The influence of those early records is made clear (pictured above- the Electro series, Kraftwerk, Buffalo Girls), the soundtrack to breakdance crews like Broken Glass and Street Machine spinning on their backs outside the Arndale. The clothing too- Adidas and Nike trainers and tracksuits, goose down jackets, then in the 90s and 2000s Stussy and army trousers, caps and glasses. It also pays tribute to local radio and the importance of Piccadilly 261 and Stu Allen's legendary rap show. This is a lesser known musical history of Manchester than the usual one involving Factory, the Hacienda or The Smiths. It's on until the 28th so there's a few days left, free entry. My brother Zach is one of the key players in the Manchester Hip Hop Archive, the group that have put the whole thing together, and full nod of the baseball cap to him and them for pulling it off so well.
Unauthorised item in the bagging area
Showing posts with label ruthless rap assassins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ruthless rap assassins. Show all posts
Saturday 25 September 2021
And It Wasn't A Dream
Friday 5 July 2013
And It Wasn't A Dream
Some more music from the late 80s/early 90s Manchester playground, this time the Ruthless Rap Assassins (from those days when the music press used to wring its hands about whether there could be such a thing as UK hip hop-seems absurd now doesn't it. A year ago Dizzie Rascal was preparing to perform at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony). This was probably their best known moment, detailing the experiences of the group's parents and grandparents arriving in the UK- 'and it wasn't a dream, it was a nightmare'- based around a Cymande sample. Great stuff and much under-rated, this is an important record. Kermit later showed up in Black Grape.
And It Wasn't A Dream
The video shows Ruthless Rap Assassins in and around Hulme, including the infamous crescents.
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