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From Christopher D. Sims a.k.a. UniverSouLove,
I co-hosted an event here in Downtown Rockford, my hometown, called Midwest Legends of Hip Hop. This was my first time helping to put one together, and co-hosting the event. Most of my experience as an entertainer and performer is with the more serene and mature genre, Spoken Word.
I was happy to work with my right hand man, DJ Skittells - the same guy who appears with me every Wednesday night at Bar 3's Poetry For The Soul. A Spoken Word and all talent Open Mike created by Donna Clement (Bar 3 owner) and myself. Venturing off into the Hip Hop scene with a show in Rockford, with spoken word and comedy on the bill too was exciting. Especially since I am a Rapper/MC just the same. My roots as a Poet stems from my background as an MC.
We had a great line-up that night. Lots of people came out to either listen, or support their favorite local groups. A lot of the artists attend my weekly venue Poetry For The Soul.
Everything was going good until a group named IMG Entertainment got on stage later that night. They have a big following, and lots of fans. They are a large group with infectious rap energy with them. They usually put on a good show. However, Friday night turned into something most of us regret and don't like.
When I do a show I want it done right, and people to enjoy themselves. I have a reputation in town and the area as a positive spirit who supports good people and good music.
After having fallen off the stage due to some hard dancing with a woman on the stage, a member of IMG Entertainment sought after the woman who fell off the stage with him then slapped her and punched her. Before that, I believe he and two other guys stomped and knocked out a another guy. Let me back up, before he did all of this he threatened DJ Frea - DJ Skittells' friend and DJ counterpart.
I watched most of what happened while I was on stage, but not the violence that took place.
I learned that half the crowd ran out of Bar 3's back door. Bar 3, especially Donna, wants a peaceful environment at her shows. We strive for this and she asks for this. Her place can be shut down easily because of this. We don't need that. Bar 3 has some of the best shows in town.
I wont promote another event with that kind of energy. I'll stick to my successful poetry venues and welcome other opportunities. I know Rockford's scene well. I know peaceful and respectful people. Black Rockford is always complaining about what we don't have here. The violence that happens here is why we lack places to go and enjoy ourselves. Fortunately, I have a following that is mature, respectful, and professional outside of Hip Hop shows.
I want to see Rappers and MCs here succeed, but without the violence.
See you around Rockford.
Poet and Performer, Christopher D. Sims a.k.a. UniverSouLove http://www.universoulovethepoet.com |
