Hip-Hop Isn't Dead; it Lives in Columbus

February 12, 2009 by Alan Cooper

True hip-hop is a rare gem, and when it’s found, people can’t keep it to themselves. Camouflaged by neighboring Bodega and housing, Café Bourbon Street sits patiently, waiting for kids to come and remember what hip-hop really is.
 
It is called "So What Wednesdays." Blueprint, a Columbus artist said, "If you love hip-hop, come here on Wednesday." The environment is laid back and gets back to the roots of hip-hop. No flashing lights blinding your vision, just the essentials.
 
Faronhite, another Columbus artist with the group Intricate Sunz stated, "This is where real hip hop is, where you can find local artists, dope artists, and the combination of the four elements of hip hop, breakin’, MCs, Djs, and graffiti."
 
"So What Wednesdays" was started so there would be a place to come to relax and listen to good music without being bombarded by rap or so called hip-hop that has no meaning to it. No bells and whistles here, it is a place where you can be real, where it doesn’t matter who you are or what you wear, the people here are connected by their love of true hip hop.
 
When asked to describe hip-hop in five words, Blueprint stated, "It needs to grow up." And here, one will find hip hop in its mature state of mind. Underground and classic hip hop pour into the atmosphere and it takes people back to when hip-hop meant something.
 
The hip-hop movement in Columbus is purely by word of mouth, which keeps attendance at a slow and steady speed. This is what they prefer at Café Bourbon Street, people don’t have a hard time with moving through crowds or battling the guy next to them to order a drink. This is what makes it enjoyable, quality over quantity, and meeting people who frequent this hip-hop hub is always entertaining, there’s never a dull moment.
 
El Jesus De Magico’s main singer, and Café Bourbon Street bartender, Jon Witzky stated, "This place is vibrant, yet chill and extremely cool with good people. I enjoy it quite a bit and have a lot of respect for it."
 
Located at 2216 Summit St., Café Bourbon Street is "making Wednesdays worth remembering."