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Behind the Beats – A Sneak Peek of Black Box Sessions: Hip Hop

Posted: 10/28/24

Behind the Beats – A Sneak Peek of Black Box Sessions: Hip Hop

By Charlie Pingel

Since 1939, the Wisconsin Union Theater seasons have showcased a multitude of genres and artistic mediums, from classical music and dance to theater and jazz. This year, we are thrilled to bring the vibrant and dynamic styles of Hip Hop to the theater for the 2024-25 Season with our new series, the Black Box Sessions.

This season, the Black Box Sessions will transform the Play Circle, Memorial Union’s black box theater, into a club-style venue that showcases different corners of the Hip Hop genre. Each of our four artists brings a unique voice and style, promising a diverse and engaging experience. 

Sa-Roc

Thursday, Dec. 5

Sa-Roc’s music demands to be experienced live to truly appreciate its depth and power. Her personal, resonant lyrics blend with her flawless flow, supported by raw, minimalist beats that amplify her message. Much of her work is produced by Sol Messiah, a fellow Rhymesayers signee who has collaborated with the likes of Boyz II Men, Madonna, and TLC. Together, they create a sound that is both timeless and impactful. 

Kicking off Black Box Sessions: Hip Hop on Thursday, December 5, Sa-Roc sets the bar high in a performance that balances energy with impact, promising an unforgettable start to the series.

Marlowe (Solemn Brigham)

Thursday, Jan. 30 

Comprised of rapper Solemn Brigham and producer L’Orange, Marlowe is a duo known for their timeless sound that blends sharp lyricism with innovative production. Notably, their music features samples from old Hollywood and cartoon dialogue, creating a nostalgic yet fresh listening experience. Solemn Brigham’s flow-switching capabilities and L’Orange’s incredible production make each song an unpredictable journey. Experience Marlowe’s iconic sound brought to life by Solemn Brigham performing solo on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

A standout track from their discography is “Future Power Sources” from the 2020 album "Marlowe 2." This song has gained significant popularity, being featured in a Gatorade commercial and the video gameSaint’s Row,” amassing over 1.5 million streams on Spotify.

th1rt3en

Thursday, Feb. 13

Mature content. Suggested audience: Age 16+

The powerhouse trio of th1rt3en brings back the essence of classic 1980s Hip Hop and fuses it with the intensity of rock, creating a unique and electrifying sound. GRAMMY Award–winning, hip-hop mainstay Pharoahe Monch draws on his 25-year emcee career as he leads the supergroup th1rt3en, embarking on a new genre that combines shredded classic rock with razorsharp Hip Hop. The band features two-time GRAMMY winner Daru Jones, whose first break came with the Detroit hip-hop group Slum Village and who has since worked with Jack White, esperanza spalding, Black Violin and many others. Guitarist Marcus Machado, a Rolling Stone "Next Young Gun," has collaborated with everyone from Jon Batiste to Pete Rock.

Blackway

Thursday, March 6 

Blackway is a true rising star in the upbeat, modern Hip Hop landscape. Known for his hit song “What’s Up Danger” from 2018 film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Blackway boasts 1.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify through his infectious energy and powerful backing. With music featured in popular video games like “Madden NFL 24” and “Fortnite,” Blackway is cementing his spot as a breakout voice.

While the feature from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal on “King Talk” might catch some off guard, it is Blackway’s powerful presence and raw energy that drives the track. Don’t miss Blackway’s performance on March 6, closing out the Black Box Sessions: Hip Hop series in style.

Experience Hip Hop like never before this season in the Black Box Sessions. Save 15% when you bundle all four shows, or add these performances in a Build-Your-Own Subscription. Be part of this exciting first season and secure your seats today for an intimate look at Hip Hop’s freshest talent. For a deeper dive into these artists’ sound, check out our curated Black Box Sessions: Hip Hop playlist on Spotify. 

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