.Natural Selections Brings Hip Hop and Art Together at South First Billiards

Hip Hop has always entwined itself with other art forms, be it dance or visual art, both considered key elements of hip-hop culture. Local promoter Jonathan Reniery hopes to give people a taste of at his monthly free party Natural Selections, which arrives at South First Billiards this Saturday. The show features rappers, DJs spinning between sets, performance artists and painters.
“When Hip Hop started in the late 70s/early 80s, graffiti went hand in hand with hip hop,” Espinal says. “We’re not really specifically encouraging graffiti art, but art is art. It’s just another added bonus to what we’re trying to present for free for the community. It’s basically a buffet of audible and visual goodness.”
Headlining this month’s edition of Natural Selections will be local rappers Hennessy, YDMC and dancer Pop Kulture. The video below features all three:

The song, “Good Vibes” by Hennessy, harkens back to the laid-back, jazzy, underground-hip hop of the 90s. The horns, orchestral swells and mellow drum beat set the perfect backdrop for Hennessy’s relaxed, but thoughtful rhymes. The video was shot at “On the Corner Music” in Campbell. Keep your eyes open for a cameo by owner, Jeff Michael Evans.
Also performing at the show will be Rico Laws and Six of Seven. DJ SavSci will be spinning between sets. Showing off their paintings will be artists Alex Gammon, Erals R. DeLao, OscarLars and Life.

The next Natural Selections show is Saturday May 19th at South First Billiards. It show starts at 10pm and is free for 21+.