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. 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.

The interview took place at the front of the club after all the performances had finished. Here is what was said.

When did you first listen to hip hop?

When I was 18 years old. I was first introduced to it by my sister. She played Jay-Z, Tupac and Naz for me. I really enjoyed them. Is hip hop popular in Odate?

Yeah, a little bit. People think it is very cool.

How many emcees are there in Odate?

I think there are two.

What is your goal or dream?

I want to spread hip hop in Odate. I want young people to do rap too.

That was the end of the interview and the event wrapped up quite soon after it. The event was fun, with people coming together to support their friends dreams of becoming popular rappers. What interested me the most was the fact that there is a small local hip-hop scene in the middle of the inaka. Its perplexing to me that it exists, but it is a delightful surprise

Who was your favourite? Who was the most influential hip hop artist for you?

I would say T.I. I thought he was the coolest.

What hip hop do you listen to now?

I listen to Da Baby and Travis Scott.

What did you do before running Club Vonita?

I was a police officer.

What made you stop being a police officer and start running this club?

Being a police officer was not exciting, I really enjoyed rapping, also, the owner asked me to run the place.