Photographs by Anise Safiya Tyehimba
As I stepped into the venue of the Hip Hop House Show for the first time, it was impossible to miss the towering centerpiece in the courtyard. Hanging from the towering tree were hand painted CD’s, reflecting off an ambient mixture of red and green hues. The vibrant ornaments created a soft glow over the courtyard, inhabited with a steady flow of incomers. The courtyard crowded quickly, filled with anticipation for night to remember. My anticipation, however, was a tad bit different from the observers. Inhaling the excited energy from the crowd, there was also a nervous air within mine. It was the first coverage of a campus event of the quarter, as well as my first time covering a show. I soon found that my anxious anticipation would subside, and I would enjoy the evening alongside everyone else.
There were three main acts for the night: 287Vinyl, Motion Blu, and Jay Satten. In addition to these acts, the house show also featured performances by Icarus Contemporary in between sets. Kicking off the night was 287Vinyl. Putting on tracks reminiscent of a 70’s style weaved with hints of bossa nova, the crowd was grooving under the funkadelic beats. UCLA Radio members and general observers alike were participating in the fluid movement of bodies; I even remember joining the crowd in collective celebration as 287Vinyl played one of my childhood favorites: “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind, & Fire. The LA-based band was composed of three members –Ben Kenvin, Sara Gorman, and Steven Schlosberg,a. Using their shared passion of music and passed-down vinyl records, the trio put together an electric, funkadelic show that heightened the excitement for following acts to come.
During the interludes came performances by Icarus Contemporary. In between 287Vinyl and before Motion Blu, the contemporary dance group fueled the night’s hip hop energy with their standout dance routines. As Icarus Contemporary took the stage, they put on a remarkable performance of “Imma Be” by the Black Eyed Peas. Their first performance of the night truly put the hip hop into the Hip Hop House Show. The crowd was hypnotized by the synchronized movements of the members, as they grooved along to the beats of the track. Along with the crowd being hypnotized, so was I. “Imma Be” is one of those songs I could listen to and immediately replay as soon as it’s finished. It’s just that good. The choreographed moves were as electric as the feeling you get when listening to the song and left the audience hungry for more Icarus Contemporary.
Up next was Motion Blu. Comprised of two members, Simon Chernow (producer) and Bishop Freeman (songwriter and vocalist), the duo is known for conveying authentic emotion through their music, such as intimate interactions with others or unreciprocated feelings. Their set had the crowd on their feet, vibing along to the melodic sounds of their music. Motion Blu played songs such as “Diesel”, a cover of Lil’ Wayne’s “Mrs.Officer,” and ended the set with a crowd favorite, “Street Status.” The artist collective specializes in modern R&B, which clearly shined through in their set. Sprinkled within the mix was an unreleased song that was performed exclusively for house show’s audience curating a relaxed atmosphere that was clearly appreciated by the crowd. Of the many stand-out sets from the night, Motion Blu was undoubtedly one of them.
In between Motion Blu and the final artist of the night, Jay Satten, Icarus Contemporary incorporated another courtyard performance. In their last appearance of the night, the talented group performed a skillfully choreographed dance to “Low” by SZA. The ebb and flow of the bodily movements captivated the growing crowd of people watching. Icarus Contemporary was the binding glue of the sets, making sure each transition moved seamlessly with their effortlessly astonishing moves.
The final act of the night belonged to UCLA student Jay Satten. His performance was so good, it shut the house down (quite literally). Although he was only able to perform one song out of his set, Jay Satten had the crowd jumping. Showcasing his song, “Ish Me”, the audience was bouncing around, singing along, and clapping their hands above their heads. The bodies in the courtyard were going along with the thumping bass, synchronizing each move with it. The song was reminiscent of Kaytraminé’s style, seamlessly incorporating elements of house and rap. Towards the end of this song, the party was swiftly shut down, and everyone had to evacuate the premises. Although it is unfortunate the entire set could not be finished, Jay Satten still ended off the night with a high note.
Overall, the Hip Hop House Show was an absolute sensation. Not only was the courtyard literally packed, but it was also a night figuratively packed with epic performances. Beverages and UCLA hoodies were sold, Icarus hosted a stellar fundraiser, and everyone had a night full of hip-hop celebration. Although the show was shut down, it was clear everyone had an enjoyable time. From tagging the black poster boards with chalk to dancing underneath the centerpiece tree to attendees creating shadow figures in the projector shining on the wall, every single person present relished in the possibilities and activities the night held. It was a night full of anticipation for greatness, and that greatness was fulfilled.
