Hip Hop Karaoke, a popular monthly event held at New York’s Knitting
Factory, will host the First Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship at the
Highline Ballroom on January 25th, 2008. The event will feature 12 of
Hip Hop Karaoke‘s best battling it out for cash prizes in front of
celebrity judges including legendary producer/deejay Prince Paul, Dres (of
Black Sheep) and veejay/deejay Ralph McDaniels.
In an industry that
revolves around bravado and thuggish personas, “karaoke night” might
seem more than slightly corny, but the brains behind the monthly event
urge you to, “Throw away any preconceived notions of the stereotypical
karaoke night.” Started in December 2004, Hip Hop Karaoke has given
thousands of people the opportunity to witness, and participate in,
this unique celebration of Hip Hop. Hip Hop Karaoke has been visited by
such notables as Jeru the Damaja, Masta Ace, Pete Rock, O.C., Tek (Smif
N Wessun), Rock (Heltah Skeltah), Rhymefest and Big Daddy Kane. Hip Hop
Karaoke takes the traditional cheesy concept of karaoke (complete with
off key performances and smoke machines) and transforms it into an
event with much more passion and integrity. It is essentially the
complete emcee experience with each respective contestant paying homage
to the song rather than making a mockery of it.
For the championship, the organizers have hand-picked a dozen performers to
rock their favorite tracks from Hip Hop Karaoke‘s song list. Over the
course of three rounds, one person will emerge as Hip Hop Karaoke
Champion.
For more information on the upcoming event visit www.hiphopkaraokenyc.com
