Avenue Magazine Edmonton

Posted by Marlon Wilson in Top 40 on Dec 11 2009 14:13

As much as I hate the cold, I always seem to get nostalgic this time of year. For many, the month of December is a chaotic one, during which they scramble to buy gifts for loved ones, vacation from work or spend precious moments with those dear to them. For me, this time of year embodies all of the above, as well as a Christmas tradition our record label, Music for Mavericks, started seven years ago.

On Thursday, December 19, 2002, December extended to include a new Christmas tradition: hosting a local hip-hop showcase to help raise food donations for the Edmonton Food Bank. At that time we were uncertain of the success it would have. Considering there had never been a hip hop-themed "Give Back" initiative in the past, we wondered whether people would come out? Would they bring food donations? How much would be raised? 

Needless to say, in 2002 our hip-hop scene was still relatively quiet. But something about that first year was alluring enough that the music community came together to watch the city's hip-hop artists showcase their skills through MC battles, break dancing and rap performances.

Eight years ago, rapper Cadence Weapon (now our city's poet laureate) had yet to take the indie music world by storm; R&B singer Kreesha Turner had not yet begun her rise to stardom; and reggae artist Janaya "Sista J" Ellis was just starting to audition band members for who we now know as the Juno-nominated band Souljah Fyah. But even in the absence of these heavy hitters - the first Hip-Hop For Hunger show packed over 400 people into the Starlite Room (then known as the Rev) to be a part of history. Those 400 plus people collectively raise 177 kilograms of food, and got the ball rolling for an annum that has inspired other community initiatives from our city's urban music community. 

Since its inception in 2002, Hip-Hop For Hunger has raised over 2,700 kilograms of food.

The event has become a staple in the city that welcomes people from both within Edmonton's urban music community and outside. Hip-Hop For Hunger has empowered Edmonton's urban music community to get involved and make a difference. In no way could any of us have predicted the cultural and social impact that Hip-Hop For Hunger would have in its first eight years. Like Folk Fest or the Fringe Festival, Edmontonians have come to expect it and anticipate another great night of hip hop each year.

This year, however, the Hip-Hop For Hunger initiative will be minus its yearly concert. Music For Mavericks is currently in the middle of preparing grant applications for funding the marketing and promotions of three new albums for the new year from artists on our roster. So we didn't want to overwhelm ourselves by taking on the showcase portion.

But in the absence of showcase, we are holding a 20-day food-raising challenge for the Edmonton Food Bank. Teaming with local clothier Room 322 and barbershop Urban Roots - our official drop off locations - we are collecting food donations between December 6 and December 24.

The Edmonton Food Bank's most needed items include: beans with or without pork; canned meat, fish, fruits or vegetables; peanut butter; powdered milk; baby food and formula; macaroni and cheese dinners, pasta and pasta sauces.

Our goal is to raise 907 kilograms (2,000 lbs.) of food, far surpassing our 2007 record of 548 kilograms.

Marlon Wilson is a member of Edmonton rap group Politic Live and the co-founder of Music For Mavericks records, as well as a music consultant, radio DJ and youth mentor. He is an alumnus of Avenue's Top 40 Under 40.