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9 Elements Digital Magazine - Portfolio

Sample Selection from the magazine archives

CONTENTS

 

9 Elements Digital Magazine derives its name from the concept found in the Gospel of Hip Hop presented by KRS ONE to the Temple of Hip Hop formally on November 9, 2009.  The 9 Elements are cultural principles and practices observed and redefined by the Hip Hop community. Although these ideas and forms have existed in societies since the dawn of time, Hip Hop Kulture has been able to update and fully utilize the forms to the benefit of millions around the World. The elements most are familiar with are; B-boyin (breakin), Emceein (rap), Graffiti Art (aerosol art, taggin), and Deejaying. These forms are well recognized as those used exclusively by Hiphoppas. That’s not quite true. Although they seem to have originated with Hip Hop, they are new expressions of ancient art forms. They are modernized, redefined forms of dancing, telling stories, painting, and playing music for a group. Beyond these, other elements exist. The 5th element, as stated by the Zulu Nation is Knowledge. Knowledge is categorized among the street elements or latter 4 elements of the 9. While these related organizations disagree on the placement, we find this to be of little significance. Knowledge after all, could be considered the number one element without which no other would exist. Therefore, we continue with the notion that, of the basic elements of Hip Hop practiced during the emergence of the culture, one more is important. That is Beatboxin. Beatboxers were some of the first beat producers for the modern hip-hop music era. Since the earlier days, Beatboxin has gone more international, and for a large part, has been transitioned into the area of music production. Beyond these basic 5 elements are the “Street Elements”, or styles of cultural expression that significantly take on a Hip Hop tone. These elements have been redefined from there use in the mainstream to become areas for Hip Hop cultural expression. These elements are; Fashion, Language, Knowledge and Entrepreneurialism. Each one of these 9 Hip Hop Elements, has been given coverage in the pages of the magazine for the past twelve months. It is our contention that exposure to these elements will provide a well-rounded perspective of the Hip Hop identity.


9 Elements Magazine has covered a wide variety of topics from Hip Hop Kulture to politics, to science, metaphysics, and emerging artists. While the coverage is raw and to the point, it conveys a type of realness, that Hip Hop Kulture once thrived on. Though some signed artists have been highlighted in the magazine, unsigned talent from across the globe have seen equal, if not more  time, in the pages of 9 Elements for the past 8 issues. Our music compilation issue called, the Mixtape Notebook, is an illustration of the future of digital music. Though most have not caught up to this new innovation, we are proud to once again, envision what is to come for the next generation of Hiphoppas. This digital album/DPK (Digital Press Kit), allows the artist to express his full range of material with individual audio tracks, YouTube videos, bios, reviews and pictures. In the near future, artists will be able to fully promote their next project while still maintaining a viable product base. This concept was illustrated in issue #8, the Zaq Coldly Special Edition. In it, we took the time to display a catalog of music, videos and press material, which showcase the best side of the artist. From this example, it should be easier to see what will be possible in the future of digital music.


On the political front, 9 Elements Magazine has been able to focus on several important topics for the last 12 months. In issue #3 we tackled the topic of marijuana criminalization with a look at the history of the war on weed. In the same issue, we addressed the problem of the corporate prison system and the police misconduct at a Smif N Wessun concert in NYC. A very interesting science topic was discussed in issue #5 with an article titled. “Becoming in Tune with Real Hip Hop by Understanding Cymatic Reactions” where a very unique perspective was introduced. We also featured the inventor of the modern day microphone, James West.


Throughout the year we shed light on individuals who affect Hip Hop Kulture from the inside out. This list includes individuals from the past as well as the present; Meek Millz, Wise Intelligent (PRT), Royce Da 5’9”, Eminem, Random Axe (Black Milk & Sean Price), Crooked I, Pacewon and Mr. Green, Jehst (UK), Sleet (Macedonia), Kreyshawn and V-Nasty (White Girl Mob), Black Rob, Miles Megaciph, RoGizz, Zaq Coldly, the Ciroc Sistas (Scarlet Fever and Hazel Brown) and over 50 emerging artists, many with individual singles playable in the magazine. Topics discussed in the magazine covered a wide perspective as well:
Methodman and Redman say Fuck Swag
Astrologics by G-Hop
Jail Recipes by Thurston Howl III
Switzerland Hip Hop by the Swiss Hip Hop Ambassador Igi B
Kids for Cash Judge Found Guilty
Uniformed Disorder: Police Terrorize Hip Hop Concert
Spawn of the Rap Bastard
Estria L.A. Graffiti Street Battle
Rapathon 5 in NYC

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