"We are here to spread the message of positivity that hip-hop brings"

Friday 02 September 2022

Jersey hip-hop artists and aficionados are coming together at the island's main skatepark this weekend for an event they hope will showcase local talent and spread their passion for the genre with a new generation.

Two-day event 'Street Skills Summer Jam 2022' commences tomorrow.

Ahead of it, Express spoke to one of the people behind it: local hip-hop MC Matthew 'Bean' Lebouc...

Tell us about Street Skills Summer Jam...

This is actually the fourth 'Street Skills Summer Jam' event we've held. The first was in 2014, under me and Vince 'SAO2971' Talcone's United Elementz brand, and two more in 2015 and 2016. We wanted to create an event that inspired people, young and old, to get involved in the local Hip-Hop and Skates scenes and to highlight all the elements of the culture which includes MCing, DJing, Breakdancing and Graffiti.

We were also heavily inspired by the old 70's, and 80's, New York Park jams that had a basic foundation and was pretty much open to everyone.

What do you hope that the event will bring to Jersey? Why do you believe that it is important to showcase local hip hop talent? 

A real understanding of the local scenes in Jersey. We have an absolutely phenomenal pool of talent, and we not only wish to showcase those already involved but those who may have thought there was no outlet for them to be creative and show what they can bring to the table to help the scenes, and culture, grow.

I should also note it's not just for showcasing opportunities it's also for fans of Hip-Hop and Skating to come down, vibe and enjoy.

Pictured: A poster for the event.

We are here to spread the message of positivity that Hip-Hop brings. It receives so much bad press for its negative stereotyping of 'street life' and violence that the media can overlook the good it can do and has been doing for years.

Who was involved in planning the event?

Before it was previously just United Elementz but now it's really a whole group of different brands and people. We've got me, SAO2971, Zagga Da Alien, DJ Stefunk, B-Boy Shadow and the Total Mayhem Crew and Verse1 of UNOIT. It's a real group effort created by people who have been in the position of looking outside in and now have the power to put something special together to get more people involved.

Who will be performing?

Most of the individuals involved in putting it together and really anyone else who wants to showcase their talents. This event is really for the people, by the people, so we have no particular acts lined up. Basically, we've got some DJ's on hand and the rest is up to the people to show up and do what they do.

How many people are you expecting to attend?

The previous ones drew in a couple of hundred people so hopefully we can get around the same amount of people this time around as well but the more the merrier.

What message do you want to share with islanders?

Hip-Hop is for the youth. We are here to help them plant the seeds for the next generation to keep it growing for many, many years to come.

The event is this Saturday and Sunday at North Quay Skatepark. It is taking place from 11:00 to 20:00 both days.