Beatmaking Academy hosts hip-hop events to educate, entertain

Hip-hop heads across campus will be excited to hear about two events hosted by Carolina Beatmaking Academy this Thursday. 

The first is a beat-making workshop lead by legendary producer Diamond D, who has worked with artists such as Busta Rhymes, Outkast, KRS-One and Mos Def. Diamond D released a new album, The Diam Piece, on Sept. 30. 

“The Diamond D event is a really special opportunity for students to get into the mind of an important figure in hip-hop and learn about the process and business and life and culture of hip-hop,” said Mark Katz, a professor in the music department who focuses on music and technology, popular music and modern art music. 

Diamond D said he will talk about what he's accomplished in the music business and answer students' questions.

"Hopefully any aspiring music producers come out," said Diamond D. "It'll be entertaining and educational."

“Can I Kick It?” will be hosted later that day by Washington, D.C.’s Shaolin Jazz, composed of DJ 2-Tone Jones and his partner Gerald Watson. DJ 2-Tone Jones will provide a live DJ soundtrack to some classic kung-fu movies from the 1980s. He said he will have two turntables, a mixer and a variety of sound effects. 

“We’ll be able to hear his virtuosic scratching and mixing while watching this kung-fu movie,” Katz said.

When asked who they hope will come out to the event, Watson laughed and said everybody.

“The reason we showcase these films is just another extension of hip-hop culture,” DJ 2-Tone said.

Shaolin and Wu-Tang will be the first movie played and the second flick will be a shortened version of a Bruce Lee film, “The Game Of Death.” 

DJ 2 Tone said few people realize kung fu is an extension of hip-hop culture, because it was these flicks that were shown on TV on Saturday and Sunday mornings in the 1970s and 1980s. Artists such as Wu-Tang Clan gained inspiration for slang, songs, albums and even their members’ names from kung-fu movies. 

The creative process for showcasing the films starts with Watson and DJ 2-Tone working together to score the film and set up the room with pieces of art relating to the exhibition. DJ 2-Tone does the live music, but Watson is responsible for designing flyers and creating a cool online experience.

“We both sit together and discuss which movies to play together, which ones we want to screen,” DJ 2-Tone Jones said. “We’ve been doing that since this past summer on a monthly basis in the Washington, D.C. area.”

Both events are co-sponsored by Red Bull, who will provide free refreshments to go alongside free snacks from Chapel Hill restaurant Lucha Tigre. 

“It should be fun," Katz said. "Students can take a little time away from getting ready for finals and final papers and just enjoy the music."

arts@dailytarheel.com