Hip-hop turns 45 – rap music’s path from pariah to Pulitzer
Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize win is a major milestone for hip-hop, a genre that celebrates its 45th birthday this month. It’s also a triumph that many, a mere decade ago, would have never predicted. As someone who teaches and studies the politics of hip-hop and rap, I was pleasantly surprised myself. I thought of hip-hop’s […]
PATAsphere holds fundraiser with live music and dancers at Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on May 20
From a press release: PATAsphere, which provides young performers with state-of-the-art voice, dance, and drama training within a safe, supportive, and engaging environment, will hold its fourth annual Spring Gala Fundraiser, “You Be You,” at the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre on Sunday, May 20 at 5 p.m. Tickets, which are $15 for general admission […]
EP PREMIERE: Scranton hip-hop artist Lucas Hex delivers ‘Sermons’ with Lil Peep producer Nedarb
Today, Scranton hip-hop artist Lucas Hex has debuted his brand new hard-hitting EP “Sermons” exclusively on NEPA Scene. The album’s single, “Fade,” was produced by Nedarb Nagrom, who served as a producer for the late Lil Peep. Nedarb has also worked with other notable acts, such as Ghostemane, Xavier Wulf, and Scranton’s own Wicca Phase […]
Scranton hip-hop artist Lucas Hex announces tour with former Volumes singer Michael Barr
From a press release: Scranton-based hip-hop artist Lucas Hex has announced that he will be embarking on a tour with national recording artists Michael Barr and Apache Chief. Barr, who has recently launched a solo hip-hop career, is best know for his work as the vocalist of the progressive metalcore band Volumes. The Los Angles […]
NYC improv troupes headline SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival in Bethlehem Jan. 26-27
From a press release: Hip-hop improv troupe North Coast and The Law Firm with Sue Galloway of “30 Rock” will headline the fifth annual SteelStacks Improv Comedy Festival on Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the ArtsQuest Center at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The festival will also feature an improvised action movie, […]
VIDEO PREMIERE: Rappers Aayu and King Magnetic show Pennsylvania pride in ‘State I’m In’
Once a hardcore punk musician, Bucks County indie rapper Aayu embraced hip-hip in 2007 and hasn’t looked back since. No matter what style of music Mark Ciccone created over the years, however, it was always made with a love for his hometown roots, which has never been more evident than in the new music video […]
NEPA SCENE PODCAST: Hazleton hip-hop artist Nate Williams and NEPA rap music
Professionally recorded on Mondays at The Stude in TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton and released exclusively on nepascene.com on Tuesdays, the NEPA Scene Podcast is a free supplement to the website, expanding on the arts and entertainment stories covered on the site and going beyond them to discuss other news and entertainment topics. Each week, the […]
ARCHIVES: ‘Blacklisted’ Culture Shock headliner Aayu finds new life in name, rap music in Scranton
Aayu, the indie rapper from Bucks County who relocated to Northeast Pennsylvania a few years ago, admits his name is “a pain the ass” because of its unusual pronunciation, but unlike many hip-hop artists, it’s no gimmick. “It’s a common boy and girl’s name in India, but it’s an old, old name that translates from […]
