What else is there to do besides going to shows, downloading albums, and watching videos that one can do to support their local Hip-Hop music-scene? It takes a lot to get-out of yo comfy, cozy house at night and venture off into a club to see a show. Is there anything else one can do to build-up their local Hip-Hop community -YES! Why not participate in one of the many awesome Hip-Hop classes and/or programs that various cool organizations offer in Tacoma. Even if it is for youth - send yo kids. Maybe you want to even volunteer or try teaching a Hip-Hop related class at one of these organizations. Well that would be dope. Here are three places to begin.
Fabitat, located on 1316 South Martin Luther King Jr. Way offers B-Boy/B-Girl Dance, Graffiti-Art, and D.J. classes, drop-in Tues-Fri from 4-10pm to check-it-out. Fabitat is run by the Fab-5 Organization.
The StoryLab is a program at the downtown Tacoma Public Library. Here, the library has anything and everything a young teenage Hip-Hop artist would need to make and record a full Hip-Hop album. There are also unique workshops, taught by local Hip-Hop artists, on a number of critical aspects of the Culture - From independent-artist workshops to sampling classes.
Finally, there is the D.A.S.H. Center for the Performing Arts. This is a non-profit art-center also located on Martin Luther King Jr. Way. This program has an all-encompassing Hip-Hop program called the Art of Hip-Hop. This is a 4 month class that involves Hip-Hop Culture, writing seminars, recording experience, and performance opportunities. Students will also have an opportunity to have the Center fund a full-length album and marketing/promotional campaign for young artists.
Contact any one of these organizations to get involved and/or take classes.