Let there be hip-hop
Three students are helping take the battle of the bands to a new level. Genesis 2:000, the first annual hip-hop battle, blends elements of the popular culture into an evening of competition and celebration.
The event, which will be held tonight at the Student Activities Building, features a DJ battle, break dancing competition and MC battle, rounded off by an R&B exhibition and an after party.
Chad Hugo from the Neptunes and Ayanna from Road Rules will team up to judge student performers from all over Virginia, Maryland and D.C.
Peter Saji, a fourth-year College student and an organizer for the event, said Hugo's appearance at the hip-hop battle helped encourage aspiring talent to compete.
"The hip-hop culture is very interconnected," Saji said. "We wanted to bring together all the aspects of hip-hop culture into the same room."
Hugo is best known for his work producing popular hip-hop songs, including "Rumpshaker," "Super Thug" and "Got Your Money."
"He's really into discovering new talent," Saji said. "DJs and MCs want to be heard by him. Break dancers want to be seen by him."
The timing of Genesis 2:000 corresponds to the appearance of a new CIO, Students for the Advancement of Hip-Hop.
The student organizers of Genesis 2:000 hope the group will turn the event into an annual event.
"We want this to be the dawn of a new era of hip-hop at UVA," Saji said.
Compiled by Stephanie Batten
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