ROCK THE SCHOOL BELLS 2

On November 22, 2008, Skyline College produced their second annual show "Rock the School Bells 2". It's a Hip Hop conference containing workshops and a showcase of performers. This conference is used to educate the community about the history of Hip Hop and to gain a better understanding of its elements. One of the things I found interesting about the showcase is that most of the performers were Asian American or of a different nationality besides African American. A lot of the dance crews consisted of mostly Asian Americans, but some had a mix. The MCs were mostly Asian American as well and the ones with Pilipino MCs spit a little bit in Tagalog. This showcase displayed how Hip Hop is becoming more diverse not just by its listeners/viewers, but also by its performers. I think Asian Americans have gotten into Hip Hop not only because it's the most listened genre of music amongst our youth, but we also share the common struggle of those who first started this music we call Hip Hop. Poverty, corruption from the government, injustice, racism, and inequality is what we face as well as African Americans, Latin Americans, Native Americans, etc. Hip Hop became an outlet for our voices to be heard. For so long, Asian Americans were seen as quiet, kept to ourselves, and allowing others to step on us. Now, "they" no longer have that power of us because we're finally doing something about it. Hip Hop seems to be the passageway into other sources of rebellion like protest.