Hip-hop finds a home

        Back during its infancy, hip-hop culture always had an identifiable place of gathering -- the park. Emcees, DJs, writers and b-boys all convened there for block parties in the Bronx in the 1970s.



        With the industrialization and commercialization of the musical element and legislation against the culture, finding a place to come together has proved a challenge.



       In Seattle, RKCNDY emerged as one of the more popular venues for rap concerts. The intimate and dirty all-ages club right off of I-5 established a reputation for hosting mid-level appeal performers such as Hieroglyphics, The Roots and Tha Alkaholiks. But constant pressure by city politicians, through measures like the Teen Dance Ordinance and the shutdown of RKCNDY in late 1999, left hip-hop in search of a new home.



        Now, a year and a half later, a new site has managed to overcome these obstacles. The Paradox Theater in the University District at 55th on the Ave. has hosted 10 hip-hop events in as many months. The all-ages venue opened to provide quality music and events for the community. 



        From its first hip-hop show with the Arsonists to others like Styles Of Beyond, the genre has found success along with others like punk and indie rock. In fact the most recent hip-hop event, the Brainstorm Emcee Battle featuring Atmosphere, Eyedea & Abilities set the venue's attendance record for all shows with more than 400 fans present.



        "It was encouraging to see a community of people come together to make shows happen," said Paradox manager Josh Norris. "The space is great, inviting, fun and perfect for that size of show."



        A converted theater, The Paradox still has some seating along with a sizable open space in front of the stage for fans and a small dance floor that the Massive Monkee and Circle of Fire b-boy crews have utilized. Because of the low height of the stage, fans have tremendous interaction with performers as well. 



       Tonight Abstract Rude will make his second appearance at The Paradox. ATU, 2Mex (a member of Visionaries and Of Mexican Descent), AWOL One (Shapeshifters), Bus Driver and DJ D join Abstract. All hail from Los Angeles as part of the Project Blowed collective, with the Bay Area emcee Bukueone hosting.



       Ironically, the last time Abstract Rude rocked The Paradox with Aceyalone (who together form the A-Team), the show went head-to-head that night with the more popular Xzibit and Likwit Crew at the Moore Theatre. The result: A-Team drew more than 300 people, while Xzibit pulled in around 50.



       And considering the misunderstanding and scapegoating of "hip-hop" for violence at the Bohemian last year, the event would have given people a true representation of the culture.



      "It was a very mellow and welcoming atmosphere," Norris said.



       Aside from hosting and promoting concerts, The Paradox also features a fully functional recording studio. Though it has risen to prominence in Seattle for its shows, don't expect it to host more popular big names.



        "We like the feel of it -- this indie, grassroots club that people all over the city know about," Norris said.



        So does hip-hop.

Abstract Rude & ATU, 2Mex, AWOL One, Bus Driver, DJs D and Prymetyme tonight at 7:30, The Paradox Theater, 5510 University Way N.E., Seattle. All-ages general admission, $12 (206-524-7677).