Real McCoy or decoy?

Dallas hip-hop 1997

Comments (0) By Brian Walker Thursday, Jan 15 1998

Also notable was Lead Source--a Dallas-based infomercial business--shooting urban-flavored promotional shots for Nike and Addidas at the Bomb Factory. These commercials featured the great Kid Capri and turntable trickmaster DJ Scratch (Queen Latifah, Naughty by Nature).

The new year holds many promises, but many feel that they will go unrealized unless there is greater cohesion among hip-hop groups and performers and enough consistent venues to support a scene. Radio plays too many wack groups at the expense of real talent, and there hasn't been enough support for real hip-hop shows like KNON DJ E-Z Eddie D's Saturday "Knowledge Dropped, Lessons Taught" show, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. But there are some signs of change: Top-rated K104-FM DJ Reggie D is starting to play a better variety of hip-hop music, drawing on more of an old-school flavor, as does the Tight at Night Crew, with Boss, Cocoa Butta, and Nippy Jones, who broadcast from 6 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday--prime listening time.

Area hip-hop and rap artists still have to learn how to function as a business if they truly want to succeed. There's more to it than just doing hip-hop shows to impress your friends and fans. Even though local shows have been getting tighter, this past year saw less turnout, artists dragging out their time on stage, and low audience participation. What's needed is a sustainable, reputable club scene that caters specifically to hip-hop, one with a reliable following that can stay in operation while attracting the best in local and national talent. With that base in place, the area rap scene should flourish and find a place for itself on the hip-hop map.