The Spotlight’s on a certain vibe and buzz within the hip hop community in Vancouver. He goes by the name The Archivest, and he is a human organizer of hip hop music, memories and events. Some may say he is a promoter, but after our interview, I have learnt that The Archivest’s intentions are way more than just to promote an event or music. But rather to help you grow into the culture and the business of hip hop, to help you learn how to market your work, and to introduce you to whom you gotta know in order to open up for some big time and hold your own. That’s what it’s all about in hip hop… isn’t it?Vancouver’s local hip hop scene definitely lives underground. The culture is nothing compared to the popularity of the hipster pretty boys and the totally grunge bands you follow on CBC Radio 3. And I don’t expect it to change anytime soon.Vancouver’s hip hop is raw. And like the culture, it is political, judgmental, and confrontational. That is the honest truth. It has always been that way and will remain the same. There is no such thing as formal representation or press kits. Hip hop will always be guerrilla style, word of mouth.

“You work your way up to paying money for a manager and money to pay for press”.

From his street garb, you know by looking at him The Archivest is hip hop and it is easy to get political, judgmental and even confrontational with him but just like any track the true message and intention lies past the initial beat and in the passion and emotion of the lyricist.The Archivest manages and maintains 2 websites and a You Tube channel. With no judgment, he helps hip hop artists create a following by publishing their best songs on his website. As a recognized person within the community, many look to the Archivest for up and coming artists in local Vancouver hip hop.His play list, evolved into documenting performances and events and keeping them as memories. These later evolved into interviews. Then shout outs. Giving him his name as the Archivest.He goes on to tell me that doing interviews is new to him. So far he has done 30 interviews. One with Rich Kid who produced 2 tracks for Drake, and naturally he adds in, Rich Kid has just released what he calles, the Trilogy album which includes many big artists and he’s named one of Canada’s next top producers. I laugh and call him a natural promoter.His collection of interviews is quickly growing, as he has interviewed The Classic Group Public Enemy, Artist Chuck D & Producer of The Bomb Squad Keith Shocklee, Long Beach California’s Warren G, Canadian’s Godfather Of Hiphop Maestro Fresh Wes, The Classic Legend & Forefather of The Hiphop Culture DJ Kool Red Alert & 9th Wonder Grammy Award Winner & Producer.He cherishes his creation called the wall of fame, where he collects autographs from all hip hop artists. Keeping in mind that it doesn’t matter who you are, but as long as you love what you’re doing and you are working towards your goal, he gives you back his support.I question this, but he shoots back at me…

“Hip hop will always be judgmental. Everyone involved in the local scene is judged. But there is a passion there. Each artist, each group, each collection of events has peaks, it’s ups and downs and hiatuses but it’s all about support.”

One thing I had to ask, was where he saw the Vancouver hip hop scene going? He says things are already moving from less political to more of a positive, good time feel. He says Dub Step is getting big. More artists are evolving or are starting off with a Dub Step feel and sound. Dub Step attracts a larger crowd, bigger venues, warehouses, and opens up opportunity for more collaboration. It is less judgmental and political than hip hop.But as for the Archivest, he plans on staying in Vancouver for a bit. He does have an opportunity to work on a project in South America, but no matter what, he still looks out for up and coming artists.

“I do what I feel is right for them. And I just want to see them do well. For myself I feel like a one man guerrilla. I get bombarded by CDs from people I meet on the street or at events. And people expect to see those CDs on my website, on my mix. There’s a lot of demand. And I’m like a business broker. I see the talent, I introduce them to people and I leave it up to them to take action, and then, I go on my merry way”.

VC ARCHIVES: www.vcarchives.comVC HIPHOPSHOWS:www.vchiphopshows.comWritten by: Amanda Panes