Chicago's own Hip Hop stars!
BIGBAER Urban Alternative previewsHall Of Fame!
Hall of Fame is the name of the dynamic hip-hop, hip-pop duo that has performing at Chicago clubs and venues such as the House of Blues, the Cotton Club and E2 since the group formed while Ron and Dinky were fellow students at Chicago's Columbia College.
At first listen it would seen that Hall of Fame fits into the very crowded Hip Hop genre, and they do - to degree, but the sound that is distinctly the Hall of Fame sound is much more upbeat and danceable than your typical hip hop. Typical, Hall of Fame is definately not! This is dancin' music, something you can groove to. Infact, it is hard not to get bouncin' when listening to Hall of Fame.
This is HIP POP and the difference is almost as great as the difference between hip hop and R&B. The differences are a little harder to define, though they should not.
Most people consider hip hop to be rhymers spittin' lyrical flowz in classic "rap" style - i.e. heavy emphasis on the lyrics and their poetic nature with minimal accompaniment musically; typically only repeated "samples" with strong bass beat. Rhythm & Blues on the other hand stresses the melody with the lyrics sung almost ballad like, in the classic Motown style that grew strong in the 60's & 70's.
The artist Kelis, with her debut release in early 2000 titled Kaliedoscope struggled greatly between the two styles; in some songs performing 100% rap style and others straight R&B. Sales of her record suffered because of this.
She covered both distinct genres so completely thoroughly that the album sounded truncated. You could not be certain if you were listening to Da Brat or Angie Stone.
Hall of Fame, the Chicago duo of Rondezvous and Dinky are different: They blend styles in fashions that come across so smoothly, with such a groove that you get caught off guard. The sounds that they bring to a performance blend rap and Rhythm & Blues into a sound that has an undenialble hook.
You will remember both the melodies AND the vocal flows. Their songs are very listenable. No doubt! What impresses me is the way they blend styles without alienating anyone. If you like rap - you will like Hall of Fame. If you like R&B, you will like them as well. Kelis did not accomplish this blend. Other artists have tried and failed as well.
Listen to the two new tracks offered, pay close attention to the feel. Listen to Behind Closed Doors and then Summertime. Do you see what I mean?
Very easy to get into... and listen to over and over. That is the hardest thing to accomplish for any artist: Re-playability.
What they bring to a live performance is a very polished act that shows definate awareness of the audience's desire to be entertained. Dinky and Ron work together as duos should, each playing off the other with the obvious experience only hard work can deliver. If their studio work turns out the quality they put into a live performance they will belong to Chicago no more... They will finally hit it big.
Hall Of Fame performing at the Hip Hop at Sega
Gameworks event BIG BAER hosted. The event
was a big success. Hall Of Fame worked the
crowd and was called back for repeated encores.
Hall of Fame performing at BIG BAER's King of the Court Basketball Tournament. The tournament featured 32 music industry teams! Names like Sony Records, Virgin Records, Def Jam, Arista, Motown, Universal, House of Blues, WGCI 107.5 FM, B96 and many more.
Over 3000 people attended the BIG BAER event! There were 15 music Industry booths where attendees could score CDs, posters and bio pics of major recording stars.
Hall of Fame highligted the show tha featured 8 midwest urban artists and over an hour and a half of entertainment.
Hall Of Fame working the crowd
at Chicago's House of Blues. They
have opened for major artists such
as Naughty By Nature & Ja Rule.
Hall Of Fame at the Columbia College Urban Music Association C.U.M.A. Awards Dinner. Dinky and Ron are pictured with Tasha "Goldruzh" Williams and Jack "BIG BAER" Baer ll - Jack was honored as Entreprenuer of the Year and sat on the Marketing and Promotions panel during the Urban Music and Business Seminar.
Visit the Hall Of Fame official Web site
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