STRAIGHT OUTTA ODATE
Straight Outta Odate PHILIP VYAS
Picture a mic, the stage is empty, people slowly flow in past the bouncer after receiving their stamps. They greet their friends, order drinks and stand in anticipation as the show is about to start. A presentation of Odate’s finest. Odate is a wonderful town known for its nature, Hachiko, chicken and kiritanpo, but not many people know it for its still young but growing hip hop scene. Promoted by local club owner known as “Matsuo” Club Vonita located in Odate’s entertainment district provides the space for local emcees to showcase their talent. Lucky enough through a chance encounter with Matsuo and his business partner Hikaru at a local onsen.
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I was invited to his hip hop event and was able to conduct an interview too. The event comprised of six performers. Two being DJs and Four being emcees. Two of the emcees and both DJs were local with two special guest emcees from the surrounding area of Odate. One of the emcees known as “Jugg Rich” who is also a record producer was to be accompanied by a “talk box” a device which alters the sound of one’s voice through a tube with one end connected to the mouth and the other to a small keyboard. Each performer preformed a few of their own songs and had a set of about thirty minutes. The event started at 9pm and ended at 2am.