Hip Hop: The Folk Music Of America

Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.

For songwriter and rapper Shaughn Richardson, music has always been a part of his life. After being involved in several different bands over the years, he found himself writing poetry -- and flourishing in the Reno hip hop scene. Influenced by 90s sound and spreading his message through rap, Richardson is now a member of 7out, a band that seeks to unite artists young and old.

He says he chose hip hop because of its ability to reflect the world created it, its people and the state of the times. He believes it's a diverse genre that is growing and changing every day. 

"It's the most America of America," Richardson said. "It's a culture born out of oppression… I think hip hop is folk music because it represents a people, place and time where they are.”

Touting other members of the Reno scene like rapper Sana Sana, Richardson says 7out sounds like a mix between Rage Against The Machine and Public Enemy. Their songs carry a grungy, metal edge that is a great compliment to the verses that they rap. Lyrics are centered around shining a spotlight on issues marginalized communities face, criticisms of capitalism and commentary of society as whole. Their tracks are heavy but hopeful, angry yet enthusiastic -- somber, but not silent. It combines the call to action of hip hop, with the power of rock.  

Richardson says one of the biggest challenges the hip hop community in Reno faces is the generational divide. While the scene has been around for a long time, he says younger artists hesitate to work with older musicians because of a dislike for the genre's evolution.

"What form of art is the same as it was in 1992?" Richardson said. "As hip hop grows older, it's going to need to be addressed."

He has hope to help musicians expand and unite moving forward, especially out of the COVID-19 pandemic. He says before quarantine, he was working to connect people in hip hop groups through shows, but now has more time to write and explore other projects. Richardson also hosts a podcast called Up In The Mix and has a radio show on 97.7 KWNK. He wants to continue to work with local artists and companies to help the Reno hip hop scene thrive.

"I hope it grows, I hope it comes together," Richardson said. "If we can start bringing people together... [we] can help people be the best they can be."

To follow Shaughn Richardson, visit his Instagram profile here.