TURN IT DOWN: A survey of Lansing's musical landscape

SINcere about hip hop

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The local hip-hop scene has been growing steadily since the ‘90s, when (the now-defunct) Vinyl Addict Records would host rap shows in its basement in East Lansing.

Since then, new batches of cliques and artists have become fixtures in the area — one of them being SINcere, a local rapper and founder of Mic Club, a monthly concert series at Mac’s Bar.

SINcere will also host the 4th annual 517 Summer Jam, a Mic Club concert on Friday, July 2, at Mac’s Bar. Aside from it being the release party for “Private Conversations Out Loud,” a new album by SINcere, a crew of other local emcees will take the stage.

Set to perform are Big Perm, P.H.I.L.T.H.Y, J Young the General, DJ Cutt Nice, DJ Encye, Nizzy, Wardskillz, Mid Mob Section, B.G.C, Ichiban Cy and more.

SINcere said the 517 Summer Jam is a way to bring the hottest local rappers together on one stage.

“It’s showcasing some of the top hip-hop and R&B artists in the city,” he said. “We are trying to do something that’s for Lansing, by Lansing. It’s something positive for the city. We are trying to bring 517 hip hop to the forefront.”

Since his start in music back in 1996, SINcere has become steadily more involved with the local scene. He is a member of the local group the Mid Mobb Section and founded Mic Club in November 2007. He said Lansing is flourishing with hip-hop shows and popular mix tapes.

“It’s definitely thriving,” SINcere said. “When we first started we didn’t even have a place to perform or any fans. Now it’s thriving, people are getting signed with labels, people are producing and promoting and bringing in major label acts. People are starting to get some unity going on in the scene.”

4th Annual 517 Summer Jam 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Friday, July 2 @ Mac’s Bar 2700 E. Michigan Ave, Lansing 18 , $7

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