Chuck D and other hip-hop artists to speak KSU tomorrow night

Kyle Roerink

Public Enemy frontman Chuck D is leading a forum on the future of hip-hop at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Cartwright Hall. Speaking alongside the hip-hop legend are DJ Rick Ruckkus and Yo Yo.

The panel of artists plans to discuss the differences in the old-school generation of hip-hop and the new-age forerunners in the industry, said Michael Stover, a freshman education major who will also be in the discussion.

A lot of people put everybody in the same category when it comes to rap and hip-hop, he said, but it’s not true. He said rap is a style of music that’s thrown together for people to dance to and contains lyrics that don’t carry a symbolic message. Hip-hop, he said, tells a story and educates listeners in a positive way.

DJ Rick Ruckkus said he works with most of the major labels in the music industry, such as Interscope and Atlantic Records. He said the younger generation of listeners does not listen to the old-school style of hip-hop he grew up on, and tomorrow he wants the audience members to get a feel for what hip-hop is really all about.

The event is free for Kent State students and $5 for non-students.

– Kyle Roerink