Buffalo Rising Online

Sep 9th 2008, 7:56am By Emily Lenihan

Hip Hop and the Albright Knox Art Gallery? An unexpected partnership, but one that has brought together Buffalonians of all backgrounds in 2004 and 2007. On Friday, September 26th the Art of Hip Hop 3 will celebrate the history, influence and growth of hip-hop.

"When two things that are as unlikely as a very established, long-standing art gallery, a world- premiere art gallery and something like this inner city American art form come together, its intriguing," said Tony Caferro of DTR45, an independent record label, a promoter of the event.

"It exposes the regular patrons of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery to this phenomenon called hip hop," said Edreys Wajed, aka Billy Drease Williams, a former employee of the Albright Knox who both plans the event and is one of the performers.

The Art of Hip Hop focuses on hip hop as a form of positive expression, change and social awareness. The evening is intended to bridge the gap and begin dialog between diverse groups of people.

The Art of Hip Hop began in 2004, as part of an initiative to increase membership to the Albright Knox. "They knew I liked hip hop so I planned the first one. It was a baby at the time, we had no expectations of it and it turned out well," said Wajed.

"The first year was kind of what we expected, which was the contemporary patrons of the Albright Knox," continued Wajed. "In 2007, there were 8 year old's to people in their 80's. Babies in strollers to older people, last year there was 2,000 people. 2004 was probably 600--it definitely doubled."

Wajed wants this year to be "bigger and better." In addition to Edreys, this year's event includes Fresh Guac, A.L.Third, DJ LoPro, DJ Cutler, as well as workshops by notable break dancers and artists. Also performing is Verso, coming in from Philadelphia.

The acts are chosen for their talent and their work ethic. "We selected the people who we think are working the hardest, that are doing a lot to get their name out there. It's also tricky because we look for clean acts," said Caferro. "We do want the 8 year old to be there and we don't want families to hesitate."

People of all backgrounds are urged to attend this unique event. "It's different, hip hop hits the art gallery. That is like peanut butter and spaghetti," said Caferro.

The Art of Hip Hop 3 is a free event, starting at 5PM on the 26th.