Beatboxer Rahzel received an explosive response Saturday night when he asked the audience of Ohio University students, How many of you like to party?
Rahzel, a member of the Grammy-winning hip-hop group The Roots, and DJ JS-1, gave Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium - where speeches are usually given - a party atmosphere.
We usually have a speaker
and we wanted to branch out from that said Elyse Morelli, public relations director of OU's University Program Council. They were looking for a different kind of event and thought Rahzel's unique talent would appeal to students, she said.
Rahzel's unique talent often is referred to as the fifth element of hip-hop: beatboxing. Beatboxing is the vocal art of using the mouth to make beats, rhythms and melodies. Beatboxing can involve imitating sounds, singing and imitating a DJ's turntable skills, known as vocal scratching.
Do not try what you are going to see later tonight Rahzel, also known as the Godfather of Noyze
said at the start of the show.
Rahzel can imitate not only sounds but also other rappers and singers. He got the crowd on their feet by opening with Fat Joe's Lean Back.
The man who calls himself the undisputed beatboxing champion of the world performed the bass line of the White Stripes' Seven Nation Army before completely switching genres and performing Kanye West's Jesus Walks.
In a news conference after the show, Rahzel ate chicken and watched basketball while simultaneously explaining his musical inspirations. He listens to everything great
which includes alternative, techno, dance hall and reggae, he said.
Before singing Chaka Demus and Plier's Murder She Wrote
Rahzel gave a lesson in reggae to the audience. Class is now in session
he said. If you don't like reggae
give it a try. You've got to open your mind to other people's cultures
cities
towns.
Rahzel handed $20 out of his pocket to a lucky fan who correctly guessed his next song - Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthin ta F' Wit.
Rahzel ended the show by performing the beat, chorus, baseline and verse of one of his more popular songs, If Your Mother Only Knew
at the same time.
It's all about exposure
