Here on campus an open mike event was held to round out the events of Black History Month. The event was hosted by Lady Bombay and Jay Z of Fresno States Radio station 90.7. This event was collaboration between them and Professor Jenna Kennedy who first approached them about holding this event here at FCC.
The event featured during the event were Ansar El Mohamed an up and coming hip hop artist who informed his name means “One who loves to help” and poet “Chicago” who has been featured in HBO’s Death Poetry Jam.
When asked about him Mohamed described himself as an artist saying”god gave me the talent I’m using it as a vehicle to express some of the ills that affect black and poor people.” Mohamed went on to say concerning the historical presidential campaign of Senator Barack Obama “When Obama becomes president it will open doors for the underprivileged.”
Mr. Mohamed also says he is part of a coalition of young people who attempt intervention with other youths involved in what some call gangs but what they refer to as street organizations. “We don’t tell them to get out of gangs because it will just make them stop listening to them.”
Anyone interested in contacting Mr. Mohamed can e-mail him at http:Lil Saviors records.com
Chicago says that by being involved in this event he is enjoying participating in something in the community that is positive. He is a National spoken word Artist with Death Poetry Jam.
When asked about the recent controversy over some lyrics used in hip-hop music he said “that all music on the radio isn’t hip hop. There are good and bad lyrics. “It all depends on the artists goals” He also sees the candidacy of Barack Obama as a positive step in the right direction for the future of America.
He does private parties the price depends on how long the event will last but usually ranges to a couple of hundred dollars an event. Anyone wanting to contact him can do so through email at [email protected].
This was the first such open mike event held here at Fresno City College but Lady Bombay and 90.7 would like to invite anyone interested in participating in such activities to join them each Wednesday nights between six and ten at insight at the Smoke House restaurant here in Fresno. The smoke house is located at 1231 Van Ness Ave and the phone number is (559) 237-1188.
