Free Hip Hop In Stores
Excerpt:"Hip-hop havens: Where rap flows freely - and for free
By Chris Faraone
On the Boston hip-hop scene, you don’t have to be of drinking age to catch a live show. You often don’t even have to come out after dark and there’s never a cover charge.
Massive Records in Cambridge and UndergroundHipHop.com in the Back Bay have spring calendars stacked with appearances by local and national rappers. Artists won’t be coming through just to sign autographs and give pounds: improvisation and exclusive material aren’t only appreciated at these events, they’re expected.
In-store performances are not unique to urban music. But like vinyl records, Adidas sneakers and Philly Blunts, live and uncut retail shop showcases have unique and integral roles in hip-hop culture."