Marcel P. Black is taking a stand for authentic hip-hop during his Real Emcees Don’t Rap Over Vocals tour this July, coinciding with International Stop Rapping Over Vocals Month. The Tulsa, Oklahoma, artist, a prominent figure in Baton Rouge’s underground hip-hop scene, continues to champion his ethos of “Culture Over Everything,” advocating for hip-hop as an art form and a means of empowerment.
Black’s tour focuses on educating fans and artists about the importance of live vocal performance. “It really goes back to the history of Black music,” Black explains. “The African oral tradition emphasizes the power of using your voice to convey emotion and authenticity.”
This Friday, July 26, Black will headline a show at Siberia in New Orleans. He will be joined by local talents Luke Julien and Kaye the Beast, as well as Atlanta’s D. Horton. The event will be hosted by Alfred Banks, who has previously toured with Black.
As Black continues his summer tour, which marks a return to the Southern region where he developed as a rapper, his message remains clear: true emcees perform without relying on pre-recorded vocal tracks.