Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAnomolies concert and poetry slam freestyle feminist lyrics
By Ann Yuen
Posted: 2/25/02, 2:34 AM EST Section: Feature
Flashback to a junior high-school dance. The lights are dimmed and hip-hop is blasting from the speakers. Kids sit huddled in their tight cliques against the wall. The dance floor is empty. All that’s missing are the chaperones casting the evil eye at feisty couples.
Fast forward to Friday night in the Schine Underground. Anomolies, an all-girl hip-hop group from New York City, are warming up before they hit the stage as part of the Eleventh Annual Matrilineage Symposium.
By 8:45 p.m., the show was raring, having kicked off with an open-mic session. Audience members anxiously pulled chairs and tables closer to the stage, leaning forward with open ears. The world outside was left behind.
For the next 15 minutes, people took the mic to recite poignant poetry. From love sonnets and black pride to sexuality and materialism, the poetry was far-reaching and deeply moving. The poetry slam had the feel of a 60s-style coffee bar, missing only the slow thud of bongos in the background.
Once the stage cleared, Kuttin Kandi, the DJ for Anomolies, took the floor and flooded the Underground with the brilliant sound of a turntable scratching.
Helixx, Pri the Honey Dark and Big Tara, the three performing members of Anomolies, stepped onto the stage, rapping away with contagious energy and enthusiasm.
Within minutes, bodies hit the dance floor, raging and writhing to the hip beats.
The climate was liberating and people moved and grooved any way they knew how. One dancer didn’t think twice before breaking into the Funky Chicken.
The rapping was graceful and fluid. Anomolies’ songs were rich with real-life messages about black pride, many of which incorporated a feminist perspective. Catchy lyrics like “slap the bimbo to the limbo position” blasted the player philosophy.
By the end of the performance, the group welcomed the audience to compete in the “shaking contest.” One by one, people vigorously shook their bodies and dropped to the floor in mind-bending break dancing moves.
After the performance, the group stayed to chat with fans and pass out autographs. The women were down-to-earth — like old friends. I felt inspired to run home and spend my night practicing my MC skills.
Spice Girls who? Anomolies was pure energy, driven by raw girl power. This was hip-hop with substance.
Fast forward to Friday night in the Schine Underground. Anomolies, an all-girl hip-hop group from New York City, are warming up before they hit the stage as part of the Eleventh Annual Matrilineage Symposium.
By 8:45 p.m., the show was raring, having kicked off with an open-mic session. Audience members anxiously pulled chairs and tables closer to the stage, leaning forward with open ears. The world outside was left behind.
For the next 15 minutes, people took the mic to recite poignant poetry. From love sonnets and black pride to sexuality and materialism, the poetry was far-reaching and deeply moving. The poetry slam had the feel of a 60s-style coffee bar, missing only the slow thud of bongos in the background.
Once the stage cleared, Kuttin Kandi, the DJ for Anomolies, took the floor and flooded the Underground with the brilliant sound of a turntable scratching.
Helixx, Pri the Honey Dark and Big Tara, the three performing members of Anomolies, stepped onto the stage, rapping away with contagious energy and enthusiasm.
Within minutes, bodies hit the dance floor, raging and writhing to the hip beats.
The climate was liberating and people moved and grooved any way they knew how. One dancer didn’t think twice before breaking into the Funky Chicken.
The rapping was graceful and fluid. Anomolies’ songs were rich with real-life messages about black pride, many of which incorporated a feminist perspective. Catchy lyrics like “slap the bimbo to the limbo position” blasted the player philosophy.
By the end of the performance, the group welcomed the audience to compete in the “shaking contest.” One by one, people vigorously shook their bodies and dropped to the floor in mind-bending break dancing moves.
After the performance, the group stayed to chat with fans and pass out autographs. The women were down-to-earth — like old friends. I felt inspired to run home and spend my night practicing my MC skills.
Spice Girls who? Anomolies was pure energy, driven by raw girl power. This was hip-hop with substance.
