We Rhyme Too creates an inclusive space to celebrate local artists

Breaking out in the hip-hop scene is sometimes difficult, but Friday at Local 506, We Rhyme Too wants to create a safe environment for artists. 

The event will begin at 9 p.m. and costs $12 per person.

We Rhyme Too is the brainchild of the DJ Gemynii and originated from her desire to create a safe space for local female, non-binary and transgender people to share their music in an industry that she says tends to overlook these artists.

“It’s for folks that aren't cis-gendered men to be seen and taken seriously for their craft,” Gemynii said. “This weekend we're going to be having a whole line-up of femmes and women who just represent hip-hop from different corners of North Carolina.“

The event is hosted by Be Connected Durham, an event-based community initiative, in collaboration with THE CONJURE, a group of Black and brown femmes, transgender people and gender non-conforming people of color started by Gemynii. 

Gemynii organized a group of performances similar to We Rhyme Too, called HERStory, in Durham in 2019, but altered the name for the upcoming event in an attempt to offer a more inclusive atmosphere. 

“I didn't want it to limit to folks who just identify with those pronouns,” Gemynii said. “We wanted it to be more inclusive to folks who represent different genders in hip-hop.”

The event’s new name resonated with featured artist ReeCee Raps, who said that for female artists in the music industry, particularly those in hip-hop, it can be incredibly hard to feel valued for their art.

“This event is just to show that we also rhyme too and we also are a part of this scene,” ReeCee said. “It's nice to be a part of an event that makes sure to go the extra mile to give us a voice.” 

This Friday, she’ll be premiering her new song, “Friend Zone,” which officially drops on Valentine’s Day this year. She said the song takes an unconventional look at what it means to be in the “friend zone” and how that affects different relationship scenarios.

For ReeCee, creating music isn’t about following trends, it’s about establishing your own unique style, which she says comes with thinking innovatively and talking about complicated issues.

“Music is used as a way to express yourself,” ReeCee said. “A lot of people try to ride waves or ride trends, but you’ve got to create the trends, and the best way to create a trend is to be yourself and to be true to your music and true to your sound, and just to not be scared to push different boundaries and talk about stuff that hasn't really been talked about before.”

For featured artist Kelly Kale, taking risks in her musical career helped launch her onto the local hip-hop scene, and eventually connected her with Gemynii. 

“I actually put out my first project in 2017, and I've always been nervous to put something out, but one year I was like, 'To hell with it, I’m gonna put this music out,'” Kale said. “I just got the courage to put it out.”

This courage paid off, as Kale was recently mentioned in an INDY Week article highlighting 15 Triangle-area women to follow in the local hip-hop scene. She said events like We Rhyme Too allow emerging female artists like herself to encourage each other and promote respect within the industry. 

“I just want everyone to come celebrate women, uplift us, bring the community together, and just show love, peace and support,” Kale said. “It’s women empowerment. We kick ass.”

@Elizabeth_sills

arts@dailytarheel.com