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Athens Hip Hop Speaks Volumes
NEW ZINE AIMS TO CHRONICLE AND CONNECT
By Mariah Copeland Parker music@flagpole.com
an arts movement where tribalism
often reigns supreme, a new publi
cation aims to bring the street to the page,
and with it, bring together local hip hop’s
factions. Dropping Jan. 28, the Volumes arts
and culture zine emphasizes unity, from its
assembly all the way down to its message
and style.
While Sam Lipkin, a UGA alumna and
former Red & Black writer, acts as Volumes’
editor-in-chief, “all of the articles are a
group effort,” she says. “There’s not one
voice, but multiple voices.” Thus, you might
find two contrasting reviews of a new
album presented side by side, as if battling,
or many perspectives woven together into a
collective response.
Volumes also blends the established,
institutional tone of print with the elegance
and energy of hip-hop language. “I want it
Not every narrative has a place in
Volumes, though. With its bottom-up focus
on unity, the zine privileges artists with
socially responsible messages. “You don’t
wanna promote gangster rap if a bunch of
shootings have been taking place,” Lipkin
explains.
Released on the final Friday of every
month, Volumes will include an event calen
dar detailing the coming month’s hip-hop
offerings. The fledgling gazette will also
boast a networking directory that aims
to connect artists with venues and other
artists. It’s a large part of why Lipkin calls
Volumes a “hip-hop cheat sheet” for those
looking to expand their art.
In the networking directory, rappers and
producers can find videographers to craft
their visuals; photographers hoping to build
their portfolios can connect with MCs and
Volumes Editor Sam Lipkin browses a crate of records outside Low Yo Yo Stuff downtown.
to reflect hip hop as a culture as much as
possible, and so I want the publication to
read like they’re speaking,” says Lipkin.
Lipkin and her contributors wrestle with
what works and what’s wack in terms of dia
lect representation, and though at times it
is difficult to mix, this multi-voice approach
is also an asset, endowing Volumes with a
relaxed readability for those immersed in
the culture while also catering to readers
interested in simply dipping their toes in.
“I’ve never written about hip hop
before,” Lipkin confesses, “but I find it an
advantage. I can put things in an outsider
perspective, for that person who goes to
the shows who might not be a musician.”
For the scene veterans, her squad of con
tributors includes lyricist Kevin Boyd of
Space Dungeon, longtime hip-hop promoter
Montu Miller and producer Trevor Wiggins
of Y.O.D, among others.
Volumes captures not just how the hip-
hop community speaks, but where and how
it gathers. In addition to local artwork,
album reviews and interviews, the zine
contains event reviews that capture the
vibe of affairs like The World Famous’ First
Tuesday series, and, in doing so, invites
potential attendees into that world.
dancers for shoots. “Networking can be a
really daunting thing, especially for people
who are new,” says Lipkin. “With this, it’s
right there in front of you.”
Assembling Volumes has taken a vil
lage, and when the first issue hits streets
Saturday, its distribution will be largely the
same. Copies will be available at various
Jittery Joe’s locations, but the team’s chief
strategy will be to put them in people’s
hands themselves at events downtown. It
remains unclear how many people of color,
who are often skeptical of downtown, will
get the new publication in their hands. As
the zine grows, however, Lipkin hopes to
also make it available at other businesses
and online.
The basics are in place, though, and
the project has been met with elation by
hip-hop heads already. “When I tell them
what I’m doing... their faces light up,” says
Lipkin. “They say, ‘Wow, you’re doing this?
We need this!”’
Cop the first issue of Volumes at the
Caledonia Lounge on Saturday, Jan. 28,
where The Norm, Little Stranger and Y.O.D
will also perform. For more information,
email Sam Lipkin at volumeszine@gmail.
com. ©
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