Hip-hop has become synonymous with violence, female exploitation and the anger of urban youth. Fortunately, there are artists challenging this stigma by putting a positive voice on tracks while keeping listeners' heads bobbing. Moreover, there are producers bringing this music into the mainstream.
In an industry full of super-producing hype men, Derrick "DJ Bo" Bogard is one such producer but his hype isn't given to his artists but to God.
Bogard fell in love with music at the age of six but it wasn't until junior high school that he discovered his prowess for producing.
"(Someone) pointed out to me the responsibility of a producer," said Bogard, "and I was amazed that one man could make a band."
Eventually he acquired a drum machine and began to make his own music while he also deejayed parties. He began producing mix tapes (a compilation recording of songs he has produced with various artists) and was soon approached by an RCA talent scout. Unfortunately, his dream of national exposure would be deferred because the scout said, "gospel and hip-hop can not mix."
Believing in his God-given talent, DJ Bo refused to cross over into the secular mainstream and decided to prove the talent scout wrong.
"Hip-hop encompasses me and Christ is a part of me," he said. "I have never been afraid to be an individual."
He started his own production company in 1998 calling it Othapsyde Productions: "otha" being dialect and "psyde" representing thought, i.e. "another way of thinking."
His production company's first release was "Visions of the Othapsyde" that Bogard said led three people to accept God in their lives due to the "call to Christ" he put at the end of the CD. Five years after its release, a fan from Detroit traveled to Memphis just to meet Bogard.
He released his second CD "Scared Silent" in 2003 and is preparing to release his latest CD "Monday through Saturday" later in the spring. Rosheay "Alphalex" Ragland II shares Bogard's passion for hip-hop and his love for Christ. They met two years ago and the experience for Ragland has been nothing but positive.
"Working with and knowing Bo has helped me grow my music," said the 24-year-old rapper. "We both want to reach people with music."
Rev. Broderick Connesero is a pastor with U of M's Baptist Collegiate Ministry and is an avid hip-hop fan. He is currently working with Bogard to produce music that will minister to youth and young adults on campus and in the community.
"There are all types of misconceptions teens have about life," said Connesero. "We want to show the hip-hop generation that God can still be praised in hip-hop."
What began as the voice of the inner city has evolved into what some say is the cause for much of what ails the urban community today.
Certainly not what the forefathers of hip-hop such as Kool Herc had in mind as he entertained kids in South Bronx parks in the 1970s. DJ Bo is using his musical talent to help local artists return hip-hop to its positive roots. Local radio jock Chris "Superman" McNeil of Hot 107.1 FM listened to DJ Bo's latest CD and was glad to hear someone with a positive message for listeners. He also gave Bogard some advice.
"Just find your voice and stay true to it," said McNeil. "Don't let other music influence you."
