Homegrown Hip Hop was originally conceived by local emcee and sometime CL contributor Infinite Skillz as a means to get himself – then a relatively unknown artist who was having trouble getting booked because of it – in front of some fresh audiences while giving his contemporaries a place to showcase their underrepresented talents as well. So, he invested in the equipment and did the legwork on how to host his own events rather than depend on anyone else, which he’s managed with his team of tastemakers at BA.S.E. Inc. Music for the past six years. Now in its seventh year, Homegrown Hip Hop has proven its value multi-fold – Bay area hip hop gets its own exclusive platform, and the demand for local hip hop artists has grown as the creative and monetary value they add to national shows and to the local scene overall has become clear.
B.A.S.E. Inc Music champions all types of hip hop, and this year’s bill features a few recognizable players in addition to Skillz, like Headnokka Fam and Rook Da Rukus. Among the new-to-me talent (and likely new to you, too) are Alec Burnright of CLPNation.com, who has a clever conversational style showcased in cuts like “Nightcap,” about a lady he’s been chasing and trying to take home, and a remix of Big Sean’s “Blessings” with TwankStar and Charli Funk the Chancellor; the latter is also a highlight of the night with a definite Andre 3000 quality to his delivery. Also worth checking out: Ladi G Zulu, a cheeky femme rhyme-slinger with crunk appeal.
Details: B.A.S.E. Inc Music presents: Homegrown Hip Hop 7 with Infinite Skillz, Headnokka Fam, Alec Burnright CLP & Charli Funk the Chancellor, Ladi G Zulu & Ya Boy Skolla, MC Fanotch, Jacob Izrael, Mackey Emannuel, Rook Da Rukus, Sat., June 20, 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, The Local 662, St. Petersburg, $10. Click here to peep the Facebook event page.
