“It was just something we were doing as kids, to have fun, as young teenagers,” said Rodney “Kool Rod,” when asked how he feels learning about the impact his early rap career had on his peers, who are now in their mid-fifties. Rodney “Kool Rod” Holloman (Numarx), Marvin “Marvin C” Caldwell (Z3MC’s), Carla “MC Spicey” Gales (the Uno Girls), Richard Burton (Chocolate Boogie), and Terry “Terry Tee” McCoy (We Rock Krew) were more than grateful, energetic, and proud when they saw a mural dedicated to them unveiled at the Avenue Bakery this past Saturday.
The mural, painted by Cisco the Artist, bridges the musical history of Baltimore from jazz to hip hop with a depiction of “Scat King,” Cab Calloway, and iconic hip hop images. The turntable, the kango hat, the thick-rimmed glasses, the boom box, and the DJ represent early staples of hip hop culture. The Legendary Dorothy Brunson, America’s first African-American woman to own a radio station, dominates prime real estate on the mural. Brunson, the visionary, gave access and the DJs of WEBB and WWIN, invested time in teen artists exploring a new genre of music.
Baltimore Hip Hop Historical Project (BHHHP) leaders, Dr. Tenyo Pearl and Stacia Dashiell are challenging Generation X to create access for today’s youth. “Many of us have connections, key positions, businesses, and we can open internship programs…shadow days…it doesn’t have to be just entertainment. We can take the model that was demonstrated during that time,” said Dr. Pearl.
“When I saw the mural, it took me way back. We had a voice to advocate our feelings, to touch our peers,” said Uno Girl, Carla Gales AKA MC Spicey. She was in attendance with her son, Michael Gales III, who performs as Major Wednesday. “Both of my sons joke and say they feel like a proud parent, and I motivate them to achieve more in the same field as their mother.” MC Spicey and Major Wednesday weren’t the only intergenerational duo in attendance. Richard Burton of Chocolate Boogie shared the moment with his nephew, Joseph Evans, as they posed in front of the mural pointing to his group name. Stacia Dashiell implores today’s youth to learn about the artists on display at the Avenue Bakery and see their dedication to their community as a model for using their voices and uplifting Baltimore positively.
A quote from English writer A.A. Milne says, “We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.” In the ‘80s, teenage hip hop groups didn’t realize they were making history, but they did. The commemoration from their fans solidifies their story in Baltimore’s history. The core values of the BHHHP are grounded in intergenerational storytelling, unity, empowerment, and the rich tapestry of experiences.
By capturing the narratives of Generation X, BHHHP preserves the past, inspires the present, and builds a bridge to a more connected and inclusive future. By putting the hip hop themes of community, unity, and empowerment into action the BHHHP has created a Hip Hop Day of Service, the third weekend in November. The BHHHP is calling out for communities and nonprofit organizations to partner together to continue Baltimore’s prideful tradition, “We love our City.” Let’s help our city.
The misty evening ended with a soulful melody from Queen Songbird and her Vision Band. Fans of every generation danced and took pictures in front of iconic figures and another Baltimore story was adequately preserved.