‘Da’ What is Hip Hop? – BluRum13 [Editorial]

Why BluRum13? Blue, from the primary color, a foundation that can’t be created; Rum, representing intoxicating fluidity; and 13, the proven numerical link to the cosmos. Like the artist, a name charged with intrigue and meaning that instigates investigations into universal matters.

Born in New York, raised in Maryland, underground world rapper BluRum13’s style is the perfect blend of all his influences. Poetic presence, distinct flow, and insight are carried to your mind via a voice like molasses and a lightning delivery. The founder of his group WaterPower (featuring Keyez, Primo the Cinematic and, Resyte Theez), solo emcee BluRum13 has lent his talents to such groups as Us3, One Self, Reverse Engineering, Bullfrog, the Russian Percussion, Resin Dogs, Ez3kiel, Groundworks, True Ingredients, Funginears among others. His passion seems to be in working with a range of sound, teaming up with such producers and Deejay’s as DJ Vadim, Luke Vibert, DJ Grandtheft aka GT, Kid Koala, Ben Mono, Miss Ill and PM.

“Above everything else, Hiphop (KRS ONE’s spelling) is a culture. The richness in the diversity of its art and permutations is testimony to this. Its DJing has evolved beyond just party music, into the realm of ‘techno jazz’, creating new genres such as ‘scratch’ music and ‘turntabelism’, which have truly pushed the technological envelope that surrounds this element. The MC’s role has changed significantly as well. Grown beyond hype-man for the party, today’s MCs are modern-day street poets, minstrels and troubadours, even pop stars. The Writer or Graffiti artist has taken the spray can to phenomenal heights. No longer confined to illegal walls, ‘graff’ is now recognized as the art form it is, incorporated into marketing aesthetics and exhibited in internationally recognized art galleries. Meanwhile, the B-Boy/B-Girl movement has landed them a spot on the global stage, with documentaries like “Planet B-Boy” proving just how widespread this movement and philosophy of motion and fitness is.

The fifth element of Hiphop is also in full effect. Beat boxing appears in pop culture constantly, inferring that there is something inherently natural yet also highly skilled about mimicking one’s environment and putting a beat to it. This fundamental expression creates the sonic backdrop from which all other elements can be expressed.

To me, Hiphop is still a culture. In spite of its commercialization, commoditization, and ongoing exploitation, it remains a vehicle and voice for the impoverished and under-appreciated. It is the future and always positions itself progressively. Its teachings grow alongside its members, their skills reflected in the ever-evolving elements and the trades they create.  This is Hiphop and we are Hiphop. If we do not wish to see the culture die, then it is up to us to define it through our actions.” BluRum13