These local artists are here to show you 'Who Runs the Hill'

Over a dozen local artists will perform at Cat’s Cradle for the Who Runs the Hill Artist Showcase on Jan. 30 at 8:30 p.m. 

Among them is Paapa Berko, a senior at UNC double majoring in exercise and sport science and music. Berko performs music under the name Berchie and has already released two mixtapes since he started making music in January 2019. 

“I'm trying to take classical music and combine it into hip-hop and rap,” Berko said. “I know that my music, it would speak volumes to everybody. I make music for everybody.”

As a student, Berko said he does the majority of his recording over the summer, and through collaborations with other producers on campus, he has learned what audiences are listening for. 

“I realized when it comes to music, people are really starting to appreciate the overall story, the overall art of the song, not just the beat,” Berko said. “So now it's like, alright, I want more studio time."

Jasmine Ryles, who works under the name RYXOG, will also perform at the showcase. To describe her music, Ryles said just one word — “real.”

“Everybody looks for something that they can relate to," Ryles said. "I feel like my stuff is perfect for people to relate to because I make music for everything."

Chaz Evans, who performs as CrownChaZ and will be featured in the showcase, said he loves the sense of community between artists and fans in Chapel Hill. Evans also said there are a lot of curators in the area, and that after playing a show at Local 506, he was immediately contacted about other opportunities. 

“It's a different crowd of people that come to Chapel Hill,” Evans said. “People are interested in art, so I love the Chapel Hill experience.” 

Yet, while Berko said he would agree that Chapel Hill is emerging as an artist-friendly town, he said there are still some things that the community could do to better support artists. 

“I feel as if, in certain genres, people are doing a great job supporting one another, uplifting each other, but I feel like we can also do better too,” Berko said. “My thing is, support your homies even from the jump, especially the ones that make good music, because there's people here that make better music than some the biggest people who are out right now.” 

Berko said promotion is one of the best ways to support local artists. From major events like release parties, to smaller tasks like printing off flyers, there are many ways to promote an artist’s music, he said.

Ryles said she hopes that people will learn to respect local art and talent. 

“I just want people to get the chance to see it, and see what people really got,” Ryles said. “Because, what's the show called, ‘Who Runs the Hill' — y’all about to see.”

arts@dailytarheel.com