Image via Complex Original
The Misadventures of Emcee Tingbudong
Jamel Chapel-Mims received a Fulbright Scholarship in 2008, an award that granted him the opportunity to spend time abroad to document the four pillars of hip-hop in the city of Beijing, China. The Washington D.C. native shot photo and moving film to to show the growth of this subculture in one of the fastest growing nations in the world, and his exhibition, The Misadventures of Emcee Tingbudong is on display now at Azucarera Gallery on 414 W. 145th St. The work is a documentation of the life of several Beijing MCs, b-boys, graffiti artists, and DJs who are pushing the culture in this city, and is worth checking out if you can make it to the Harlem gallery. In Mandarin, "Tingbudong" literally translates to: "I don't understand," but with this exhibition Jamel shows a clear understanding of this subculture and the elements that are helping to push it forward. Check out the images from The Misadventures of Emcee Tingbudong after the jump.
DJ Wordy
DJ Wordy is a Chinese-born, three-time DMC World Champion. A pillar in Beijing's hip-hop community, he tours the world as China's most famous and respected DJ.
Jan Lo
DJ Lomang is a Yale alum with a passion for music and nightlife. The Chinese-American hails from Chicago and spent several years operating his own night spot, Morrisey Park, in NYC before moving to the East. He and DJ Wordy founded and host a monthly hip-hop/electro fusion party called Hot Pot at the club Punk in Beijing. He's also Ghostface's China tour DJ.
Rubble in the Streets of Beijing
As a developing city, Beijing is ever-changing. It is not uncommon to see a whole city block transformed in a few weeks.
Forbidden City Break Rock Crew
The Forbidden City Break Rock Crew is a group of Chinese-born B-Boys who gather several times a month at different hip-hop events to battle and freestyle.
GOVEN
At a popular shopping mall parking lot, "GOVEN" adds to the city's growing street art collection. This artist is rumored to still be in high school, but his technique translates globally.
Crowd Cops at the Modern Sky Music Festival
At the Modern Sky Music Festival in Beijing, local cops are seen holding back a crowd of spectators. Police are often caught in the middle between authority and cultural expression, like in this photo where cops are simultaneously enjoying the show and doing crowd control.
Beijing Rap Battles
Stateside, the rap battle may be a thing out of 8 Mile, but in Beijing, they are still a large part of the culture. Here, an MC offers his opponent a finger.
American Noodle
Street art and graffiti spreads throughout Beijing, and American influence on the city can be seen at every turn.
MC Jaiwei
MC Jaiwei is one of Beijing's most talented emcees. He draws inspiration from the Golden Era of hip-hop, and is known throughout the city.
Mao
Mao Zedong was once the Communist leader of China, and today the ruler's legacy is still present. At a shopping mall parking lot in Beijing, local graffiti artists put their own spin on General Mao.
Nasty Ray
Nasty Ray is one of Beijing's most rugged battle MCs. Ray puts East Coast rap on a pedestal, and although his English is limited, the Beijing MC can spit just about any rap classic, verbatim. Here, he opens for Ghostface Killah last summer.
DJ Wordy Close Up
China's hip-hop pioneer DJ Wordy has shared the stage and headlined with world-famous DJs, including fellow DMC World Champions (Q-bert, D-Styles, ShortKut, Craze, Klever, Kentaro, Roc Raida, Netik, Rafik, the Scratch Perverts, and Cash Money), as well as Cut Chemist, Numark, Kid Koala, DJ Food, and recording artists Talib Kweli, Beenie Man, South Rakkas Crew, and Richie Spice.
Beijing Construction
Construction reigns supreme in modern Beijing. The city is westernizing at a rapid pace, and cranes and urban development crank all day and night.
Beijing Street Art
The growth of hip-hop culture in Beijing is seen everywhere, from the walls to the people throughout the city.