It’s a sound that Seattle-ites are used to and one that out-of-staters have grown fond of. Back by popular demand, Blue Scholars will be visiting campus for a second time this Sunday, Oct. 19.
Their unique style stems from soulful lyrics about politics and social issues. This strikes a chord with the more politically active youth, especially considering their strong interest in the current elections. Blue Scholars are a pair of musical activists: MC Geologic and DJ Sabzi. Together they blend deep words with smooth-flowing beats.
Sam Chasan, the ASWC Public Events Director, organized the upcoming concert based on the overwhelming requests from students to bring in the Seattle-based duo. Chasan believes that it’s because the Blue Scholars have more to offer than most artists students listen to today.
“It’s lyrical hip-hop. It’s not the kind of hip-hop you’d hear on the radio that’s kind of like a bumpin’ beat and a few words you don’t even understand. He talks about pertinent issues, overcoming trials and tribulations of the average American,” Chasan said.
Some current seniors may remember seeing Blue Scholars perform on campus when they were first-years. They may also remember that it wasn’t well-attended
“They’re bigger now than they were then. We’re expecting a bigger turnout this year because the word has spread about these guys in the last few years,” Chasan said.
Opening for the much-anticipated Blue Scholars is Whitman’s very own Raptivists, a group of seniors who have a style very similar to the main act. The group consists of Aisha Fukushima, Kalla Vavra, Justin Hayashi, Nick Gottschall, Seth Zippel and Wes Price.
“We are interested in performing songs that address a variety of socially relevant issues ranging from race, struggles between socioeconomic classes and gender inequalities, just to name a few. At the same time, we try to produce a ‘feel-good’ sound and play songs that people will want to get down and sing along to,” said Raptivists MC Justin Hayashi.
Raptivists vocalist Fukushima also sees the importance of scholarship when it comes to music. In fact, she’s currently writing her thesis on how hip-hop and activism work together as an influential force.
“I see it as a democratic art form,” Fukushima said about the Raptivists’ musical method. “Learning makes you reflect and invites change in society like other forms of activism.”
After winning last year’s charity event “Battle of the Bands,” the Raptivists captured musical popularity on campus and landed a gig as the opening act for artists so similar to themselves.
“What makes the Blue Scholars so great is that they dissect important social and political issues, but don’t fall into the trap of what many conscious hip-hop artists do, which is lulling mainstream listeners to sleep,” Hayashi said.
Students can catch the show this Sunday, Oct. 19, in the Young Ballroom. Tickets will be available in Reid at noon on Oct. 15, 16 and 17. A Whitman ID is required and the event is for students only. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the opening act will perform at 7:30 p.m.
