Mic Check: Every BBG Hip Hop Feature in One Place
In W.Va., Hip Hop Has Gone From Marginalized To Mainstream
The article from WV Public Broadcasting, featured on Inside Appalachia, highlights the evolution of hip hop in West Virginia through the stories of Eric Jordan (Monstalung) and Isaac Fadiga (Shelem). Jordan, a Morgantown native and son of Black Arts poet Norman Jordan, helped pioneer the state’s hip-hop scene in the 1990s with his group 304 Reconz. Shelem, a Charleston artist influenced by early web-based rap culture, represents a new generation of artists blending Appalachian roots with modern hip hop. Both have contributed to shaping a unique cultural identity, showing how hip hop has grown to reflect and uplift the voices of Black Appalachians.
1993: My Favorite Year in Hip Hop
In this reflective piece, Monstalung shares why 1993 is his favorite year in hip hop, intertwining his journey as a college athlete grappling with the end of a dream and the rise of a new passion. After realizing he wouldn’t become a professional basketball player, he found solace and purpose in the evolving world of hip hop. Influenced by early experiences like witnessing breakdancing battles, legendary concerts featuring acts like Run-DMC and Public Enemy, and hearing transformative albums such as A Tribe Called Quest’s People’s Instinctive Travels, he began promoting parties. Eventually, he learned to make beats with the help of DJ ProFaze. His love for the culture, affirmed through friendships, formative performances, and classic 1993 hip hop albums, marked the year as a turning point — the beginning of his lifelong commitment to music creation.
How Hip Hop Found Me in the Hollow – My first newsletter for 100 Days in Appalachia
Monstalung reflects on his journey from Cleveland to West Virginia, shaped by his family’s artistic roots and early exposure to hip-hop through his New York cousins. A pivotal mixtape and the film Beat Street inspired his passion for the culture, leading him to become a B-Boy and later a music producer. He honors the influence of his late cousin David, who introduced him to hip-hop and mentored him with compassion and creativity.
Charleston’s West Side celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop, focuses on importance of community advocacy
The article covers a lively event in Charleston celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop, featuring Newark Councilman and rapper Dupré “DoItAll” Kelly. Hosted by Councilman Larry Moore, the gathering combined music, dance, and advocacy, addressing social issues like food insecurity. Organizer Leeshia Lee highlighted Hip-Hop’s roots in activism, emphasizing its ongoing power to drive community change.
Gangstagrass is blending bluegrass and hip hop to create a message of unity and freedom
Gangstagrass is a genre-blending band that combines bluegrass and hip-hop to promote unity and address social justice issues. Their song “Freedom,” released on Juneteenth three years ago, highlights themes of liberation from slavery to modern-day struggles. The band gained national recognition with the Justified theme song and continues to break musical boundaries. Their performances bring together diverse audiences, fostering connection through music. Gangstagrass uses its platform to tackle racism, classism, and more—while keeping the dance floor alive.
We’ll bring the best from BBG right to your inbox. You can easily unsubscribe at any time.
Sign Up for our Newsletters!
Leeshia Lee: Documenting West Virginia’s Hip-Hop Legacy
Leeshia Lee is dedicated to preserving and promoting West Virginia’s hip-hop history through storytelling and documentation. As a cultural advocate and community organizer, she works to highlight the contributions of Black artists in Appalachia, ensuring their voices and legacies are recognized. Lee focuses on the intersection of hip hop, identity, and activism, using her platform to showcase the genre’s role in empowering communities and driving social change across the region.
June Appal’s Groundbreaking Appalachian Hip-Hop Album
In a bold artistic move, June Appal Recordings released a hip-hop album that fuses traditional Appalachian music with the rhythms and beats of modern hip-hop. The project challenges genre boundaries and creates a powerful new narrative about place, identity, and sound. By blending banjos and bars, the album connects generations and cultural histories, spotlighting a region that’s as innovative as it is misunderstood. The article celebrates this creative milestone and the artists behind it.
From WV Roots to Global Beats: The Awakening of a Hip-Hop Star
This article chronicles the journey of Jacqueline Cox, a hip-hop artist who grew up in Huntington, West Virginia. Through her narrative, Cox reflects on the complexities of building lasting relationships in the music industry and in life. She emphasizes the importance of networking and how forging meaningful connections has profoundly enriched her journey. Her story highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music scene, shedding light on the personal growth and resilience required to succeed. Cox’s experiences serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists, illustrating the significance of perseverance and community in the pursuit of one’s musical aspirations.
West Virginia’s mountainous hip-hop history
West Virginia might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of hip-hop, but the genre has deep and evolving roots in the region. This piece explores how local radio stations—especially 98.7 The Beat and DJ Woody Woods—have supported and amplified hip-hop culture. From early underground mixtapes to community events and open mic nights, the article maps out the rise of a vibrant, if underrepresented, music scene that thrives in the heart of Appalachia.
Yo! West Virginia Raps
Hosted at Marshall University, “Yo! West Virginia Raps” brought together artists, academics, and activists for a dynamic conversation about hip-hop’s role in shaping Appalachian identity. The panel explored themes of representation, social justice, and the ways young people are using hip-hop as a tool for storytelling and resistance. With local emcees and scholars alike sharing the stage, the event bridged generational and cultural gaps, proving that the region’s rap scene is both intellectual and grassroots.
Charleston-native defies musical genres with release of ‘Stay Strong,’ looks to ‘do the impossible’ in 2025
Stephen Thomas, a Charleston native and Source Magazine’s 2025 “Artist to Watch,” is making waves in the music industry with his genre-defying style. Originally rooted in Christian music, Thomas has evolved into a versatile artist, earning Grammy consideration five times. His latest single, “Stay Strong,” showcases a blend of rock beats and pop hooks, resonating with listeners and amassing nearly 75,000 streams upon its release. Looking ahead, Thomas plans to release more music in March and May, culminating in an EP titled The Universal Me, which will feature five different genres on one project. With aspirations to explore at least seven musical genres by the end of the year, Thomas continues to push boundaries and aims to achieve what he describes as “the impossible” in 2025.
10,000 hours to change your life – 100 Days In Appalachia Newsletter #3
In this reflective piece, Monstalung, a multifaceted artist from West Virginia, delves into the philosophy of mastering a craft through consistent practice and dedication. Drawing inspiration from martial arts and sports, he emphasizes the importance of repetition and muscle memory in honing one’s skills. Monstalung shares personal anecdotes, including his journey from beat-making to songwriting, highlighting the transformative power of persistence. He underscores the value of embracing the process of learning and growth, illustrating how sustained effort can lead to profound personal and artistic development
Charleston’s Musical Sensation “Gardenn” Blooming
Gardenn is a rising star from Charleston, West Virginia, bringing a fresh and soulful voice to the region’s music scene. Her style merges hip-hop, R&B, and poetic lyricism, creating a sound that resonates with authenticity and power. This article dives into her personal journey as an artist, her inspirations, and how she’s redefining what it means to be a creative force in Appalachia. With her roots planted in the community and eyes on a broader stage, Gardenn is blossoming into a voice that refuses to be ignored.
Myles T: How Growing Up in West Virginia Shaped His Music and Career
Myles T., a musician from Charleston, West Virginia, attributes much of his musical identity and career success to his upbringing in the Mountain State. Growing up surrounded by local performances and early exposure to his father’s turntables, he developed a passion for music, starting as a DJ in middle school. Myles credits the culture and values of West Virginia for shaping his work ethic and resilience, teaching him to be resourceful in an environment with fewer resources. This foundation led to major milestones, including co-producing tracks on Big Sean’s album Better Me Than You and releasing his debut instrumental album Coupe Music. Despite achieving success on a global scale, Myles remains grounded in his Appalachian roots, continuing to honor his origins while making his mark in the music industry.
If you appreciate BBG's work, please support us with a contribution of whatever you can afford.
Support our stories
