'Return to the MC' to showcase local acts

By CHHUN SUN

Local rap promoter Jason Tarver sees hip hop uniquely in Fresno.

“Hip hop is a beautiful thing here; hip hop is different in Fresno,” Tarver said. “It’s an art we take to life. There’s always a bunch of shows here.”

This time, he’s talking about one show in particular.

USU Productions will host “Return of the MC: Hip Hop Night Jam,” a four-hour show that has all local acts — except one — performing in the Pit, the south patio of the University Student Union. The free event will take place Thursday at 6 p.m.

Organizers say this all-hip hop show is a long time coming.

Music chair Dearley Anara, who’s in her third year volunteering for USU Productions, said she tries to put on a concert once every year that is dedicated to one genre of music. This year, of course, is underground hip hop — referring to acts that haven’t made it into pop culture, or acts that stay local.

And putting on the show wasn’t difficult for Anara.

“They’re all friends of friends of friends,” she said. “One person suggested one and we got the ball rolling from there.”

For those still clueless about the acts, the following information might tell you what’s up.

The Sole doesn’t sleep

Although he has yet to hit it big, Sole Profit has the most mainstream sound out of all the rap acts. That’s OK, because he’s an act that might reach pop culture status pretty soon.

As of last week, he’s in the lead in Xzibit’s Hip-Hop Supastar contest, a text-messaging-based campaign put on by Sony Ericcson, Cingular and Sony Urban Music Columbia. If he wins, he will be on the same record label as rappers Nas and Xzibit, best known for hosting MTV’s “Pimp My Ride.”

The winner will be annoucned on Sunday.

“I’m trying my best to promote this contest,” said Sole Profit, whose real name is Cameron McClure.

The Visalia rapper and Fresno State graduate has been performing “nonstop” since the contest started. Besides local spots, Sole Profit has performed in San Jose and The Filmore in San Francisco, where he had the chance to share the stage with Xzibit.

“It was real cool,” said McClure, taking a break from his job at Applebee’s (he also moonlights as a substitute teacher). “[Xzibit] knew me before I even introduced myself.”

That’s one reward for his hard work. But he believes the ultimate prize is winning the contest. That’s why at every performance and appearance, he passes out cards with information on how to vote.

How does he do all of this? “You just kind of do it,” he said, not to mention sacrificing sleep.

“Sometimes I don’t sleep. I like to keep my eyes on the prize. This is the most important thing going on right now. But I do have a day when I just rest.”

What if he doesn’t win the contest? “I do have a plan B,” Sole Profit said. “I will drop an album.”

To vote for Sole Profit, text message the word “supa” to 47827 on your cell phone. For more information, visit www.hiphopsupastar.com.

Ready for the spotlight

The five members of the underground rap group L.A. Symphony aren’t afraid to admit they look forward to the mainstream spotlight.

“You’re only underground because you haven’t made it yet,” said CookBook, a member of L.A.

Symphony, who will headline “Return of the MC.”

But for now, the group spends countless hours in the studio crafting its music and promoting its new album, “The End is Now.”

And it is paying its dues, making another college stop — this time at Fresno State.

The members have made appearances at local radio stations and performed at local dance clubs. But they never thought Fresno had a strong hip hop scene.

“We definitely think there is one there now,” CookBook said.

Other local acts performing are The Argyle Pimps, J-Jack, Kubiq of Skhool Yard, Populus, Tragedy, Fashawn, The Beat Farmers and The 2illegalaliens.