Hip-hop is alive and well, thriving wildly in one of the most obscure places – downtown DeKalb.

Cast against a dimly-lit atmosphere, poets, lyricists, dancers and rappers performed to a full crowd last Sunday night at The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway. The event, “Essence,” was staged in part by NIU’s SOULE – Infinite, and was a “great opportunity for artists to express themselves,” said Lashun Tines, one of the co-founders of SOULE-Infinite.

–

“Essence” featured hip-hop, a musical derivative of several cultures. Tines said it is considered a “counterculture about expression without representation, without instruments.”

Rapper Sam I Am, also known as NIU student Sam Simmons, directed the event, filling in empty spots with his own freestyling aided by the melodies and beats of the SOULE-Infinite band. Simmons has an album, brought in part by SOULE – Infinite, slated for fall 2003.

The acts, ranging from breakdancers to a tap dancer, brought down the house on several occasions.

“I like how the people do their thing,” said Lucy Andich, a freshman English major.

Sub Element, an NIU breakdancing group, brought their high – energy performance to the event, flipping, kicking and moon walking to the crowd’s enjoyment.

Elliot Ness branched out from the main-stage and into the crowd, rapping and dancing in synchronization with his partner. As did the group Multitude, which ironically, consisted of two people.

At times, Simmons had to remind the performers to keep it clean to maintain the respectable environment.

Courtney Drummond, an industrial technology major, enjoyed the performance.

“I liked Sam I Am, Elliot Ness and the breakers [breakdancers],” said Drummond. “I like their scenery. It gives a chance for artists to showcase their talents.”