Before '86 There Was Hip Hop - Brimstone127 (Interview)

The mighty Brimstone127 is on the Boombox today with the first official Mixtape from Bboysounds Black Label, so prepare to get down to “Before ’86 There Was Hip Hop” followed by our interview with the man himself, so listen up!

Brimstone127 aka Seth “Brimstone” Schere (@brimstone127) is one of the most well-known and prolific Hip-Hop authorities in South Florida, and an established practitioner of all elements of Hip-Hop.

He’s worked with some of the biggest names in the movement and he’s been on the scene since the golden era as a writer, producer, emcee, DJ, Bboy, and most importantly, a teacher sharing the culture with the community and future generations through initiatives like PATH (@pathtohiphop), which you’ll learn about in our exclusive interview with the man known as Brimstone127:

Who is Brimstone?

Peace. I am Brimstone (Bringin’ Rhythm In Multi-Sonic Turbulent Overdoses Nearing Explosion). Brim (Born and Raised In Miami). I am here to serve or get served!

Tell us about PATH.

PATH (Preserving, Archiving & Teaching Hiphop) was officially founded in 2007, however I conceived it in 1997. I was teaching BBoying/Bgirling at the JCC and although the students were excited about the dance, they were even more eager to learn about the history of Hip Hop culture. Particularly, Miami’s Hip Hop scene.

[hr] “From that time forward I began to envision a school where students can learn about all the elements of Hip Hop.” [hr]

In 2008, I launched the PATH Hip Hop Summer Academy with the Miami Light Project. It was a 4-week program that focused solely on the Hip Hop arts (DJ, BBoy, MC, Writing). In addition, we taught the 5th element (Knowledge, Wisdom and Overstanding).

In 2009, I met my wife (to be) and she was critical about the importance of preparing our students for a well-rounded education outside of just the arts. She implemented PATH’s four pillars: service learning, academic achievement, leadership and entrepreneurship into the program and developed unique Hip Hop curriculum that allowed students to grow in these areas.

During 2011, we officially became a not for profit organization. In 2014 we are offering our 7th annual PATH Hip Hop Summer Academy for teens 13-19. Throughout the year we use Hip Hop related curriculum to help teens and adults struggling with substance abuse and other related trauma 16 sessions a week throughout South Florida.

We have forged partnerships with MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art) (@mocanomi), DFYIT (Drug Free Youth In Town) (@dfyit), Miami Dade County Cultural Affairs and more.

You’re a veteran of the South Florida Hip-Hop scene, growing up while witnessing the birth of the Hip-Hop movement and playing a pivotal role first as a student and now as a teacher of every element of Hip-Hop. What do you think of the Hip-Hop scene today, compared to your early days in South Florida?

I can’t say I was an eye witness to the birth of Miami’s Hip Hop Movement. I was only 9 years old in 1983 and that is when I began to see its effect on our community and within my schoolyard.

[hr] “I was a BBoy by nature, but also learned to rap by kicking the rhymes of RUN DMC, Whodini, Newcleus, UTFO, Dougie Fresh & Slick Rick. Youth of different ethnic backgrounds would gather together after school, break out the cardboard, boombox and dance for hours.” [hr]

I remember hearing stories about clubs such as The Beat Club and famous BBoys & DJ’s, but I was too young to go out. I remember seeing tags in Kendall and South Miami, I knew it was related to Hip Hop but I was too young to make a “mark” on society until I actually got involved in writing (Brim) around 1988.

Around 1991, I began to build a music studio with a crew called Plan B (later Plan Be / Plan Beats). At this time Miami’s Hip Hop scene was segregated by locality. North Miami and South Miami were worlds apart, so was Hialeah and South Beach and everyone battled, or had beef with everyone else.

Then, clubs like The Zoo, studios like The Science Room and events like Hoodstock helped to unite our city.

I think one of the biggest problems with Hip Hop today is that it has become separated by elements. Jams no longer exist where all the elements comingle. BBoy jams are separate from MC shows, Writing (Graff) is legal and DJs are a dime a dozen due to the technology.

[hr] “Jams are replaced by contests and people only come out to win money. The essence of sharpening your skills in a good battle for bragging rights no longer exists. In order for Hip-Hop to grow the Jam needs to become the nucleus again. Hiphoppas should incorporate all of the elements into their lifestyle instead of just supporting one.” [hr]

Other than PATH, what are you working on right now?

Over the past 3 years I have been incorporating Hip Hop into therapy for people struggling with addictions. I am also involved in several research projects and working on my 2nd book: Hip Hop & The Diaspora: Jewish Contributions to Hip Hop Culture. My biggest project is being a loving husband and sending my daughter to college.

What advice do you have for the Bboys, Bgirls, and Hip-Hop heads around the world?

The realest advice I can give anyone is to develop a relationship with The Most High. Pursue what you are passionate about and care for those that are less fortunate than you. I believe there is a direct correlation with what you are passionate about and fulfilling your highest purpose or calling in life.

1 Love.

[hr]Our utmost thanks to Brimstone127 for taking the time and for his very dope mixtape.

Support Brimstone127 and all of the artists that are providing the beats that move your feet by sharing this article and by visiting Brimstone127’s website to learn more.

Also, Like the DJ on Facebook, and make sure to learn more about PATH’s summer session for 2014, and how YOU can contribute to our culture!