Ellay Khule
| Project Blowed | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Aceyalone, Abstract Rude |
| Genre | Underground hip hop |
| Country of origin |
 USA
|
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Official website | Project Blowed on Twitter |
Project Blowed is an open-mic workshop, its affiliated underground hip hop crew and record label based in Los Angeles, California. This hip hop function started in 1994 and features many music groups, emcees, and dancers local to the Southern California area.
The roots of Project Blowed can be traced back to the Good Life Cafe, a health food center in South Central Los Angeles, California. It was described by UGSMAG as "a platform for rappers to perform their material" and "a testing ground for Los Angeles' independent rap scene".Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Lenny Kravitz reportedly attended the open-mic.
In 1994, Aceyalone and Abstract Rude produced the original Project Blowed compilation album. It was released in 1995. In 2005, Project Blowed released a follow up album, Project Blowed: 10th Anniversary, on Decon.
Project Blowed is the essential outlet for much of the LA underground African American culture. It is a place that many people of all genders can go a freestyle, rhyme, or just speak what is on their mind. Project Blowed was a turning point for the underground culture; it “did not fan the flames of urban decay and societal attacks. Project Blowed was putting out the fire.” Rappers were required to pay a small fee to enter a battle and formally introduce themselves, and “MCs generally did not resort to homophobic slurs or excessive name calling during rap battles, as such behavior denoted lack of skill.” This group discouraged violent activity among the youth and encouraged strict norms and respect. The participation in Project Blowed positively shaped the lives of the local community.
Blowed events provided a “creative outlet and alternative career outside of gang life” for young black men. One of these men, Trenseta, the “King of Crenshaw,” after time in jail, spent time mentoring young rappers at Project Blowed. They successfully built a community and a network for these young, aspiring rappers. For many the collective nature of Blowed is a lot of its appeal; from MC’s and DJ’s to break and funk dancers for many, “The Blowed is like a family.”
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Wikipedia