Beatboxing at La MaMa
Posted May 20, 2011 at 3:13 pm
by Lauren Parrish, Fourth Arts Block
Earlier this week, La MaMa drew their American Human Beatbox Festival (curated by Kid Lucky) to a close with an astonishing performance that showcased the talent and innovation of women beatboxers. Called Women of the 5th Element, this event demonstrated that beatboxing is more than a musical style, it’s an art and that the beatboxer, male or female, is an artist.
Doug E Fresh was the host of the evening who, throughout the night, shared his memories of the early years of beatboxing and his feelings about the power and influence of this art. He said that with beatboxing, the human is the instrument and that the message they send is about good energy, life, the soul and the spirit. For someone who knows very little about beatboxing, having the opportunity to hear the pioneer of this art, Doug E Fresh, was such an honor. I could hear his passion, something I saw with every following performer that hit the stage.
The first beatboxer was MC Beats. Her set was like a radio show mash up where as she changed the station, she would beatbox different songs. I would describe her style was cool and calm. I found myself continually amazed by the fact that one person was creating those sounds.
Next up was Luckey Monkey. She is one half of the husband-wife beatbox duo TNT. Her beats were so high-energy that they communicated a sense of excitement that was contagious. It was fun to watch, but of course, even better to listen.
The last lady to perform was Say Whut. Now, this is an artist who understands how a silence is as powerful as sound when creating music. She utilized both to create a set that was dramatic and nothing short of phenomenal.
Afterwards, Itsrealight joined the women for a cypher dedicated to Butterscotch who was part of the original line-up, but unfortunately unable to make it. Instead of competing for the spotlight, the four of them were able to support each other and mesh their different styles. Then, Doug E Fresh, Kid Lucky, Luckey Monkey and D-Cross took the mic for a last performance that concluded the evening with. In the end, I was speechless and the only criticism I have is that the festival ended all too soon! Until next year!