The SHHO Presents: Michael Malbon

As it is very difficult now to find any written information on SHHO besides what they have posted on their own website, I have resorted to watching one of their documentary-esque videos. This video in particular is a show case on a barber named Michael Malbon from New York, and can be found at this address: http://theshho.com/2013/06/26/michael-malbon/

The video is focused on a barber who plies his trade in New York, and has become a go to barber for many celebrities whether they live in the city or are just passing through for a show. However, his profession is not the central theme of the video, though it constitutes a fair portion of view time, instead the focus falls on him and how he has seen the hip-hop scene change while his time in the city (tenure beginning circa 1990). He relishes the days when Nas and Biggie were the biggest on the block as well as an emerging Jay-Z. When these giants of the game ruled the clubs, the social scene of the city was quite different as well according to Malbon, "You use to be able to walk around, drink a beer on the street, and just have a good time" he says remembering the relaxed attitude however he goes full circle to modern day quickly pointing out that "now it isn't even funny how quick you'd get shut down for that." Interestingly, he defines a divide in the old school hip hop and of that which has taken over the majority of the city. "It's fun, but it's not like it used to be" he sighs, he notices that the scene isn't the same as many of the new rappers are club focused and sell out for hot beats and catchy tunes instead of the classic old school sound coupled with conscious lyrics.

This was an interesting video to watch, as I had no idea that the social climate of the city changed in hand with the hip-hop scene. Overall it was cool to see what kind of people that the SHHO likes to showcase, and what these people bring to the table as insights into rap and hip-hop. I am getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of information online about the organization, it seems that interviews will likely become the only other source of information that I will be able to get a hold of. Ideally, I would like to join the group and make it into a powerhouse at the university, a club you think of with esteem and pride, but that's another conversation. I would also like to include my blog from last Friday as one of my three for this week.