Our Associate Director of Commerce Romel Lherisson gives us some insight into what hip hop means to him, as we extend our celebration of Hip Hop History Month in preparation of 2023: hip hop’s 50th anniversary.
Name: Romel Lherisson
Job Title: Associate Director, Commerce
Instagram Handle: @romel.mp3
Preferred pronouns: He/Him/His
- What do you think the industry could do better in supporting Hip Hop culture/music?
- We all have a responsibility for the music and artists we promote as well as the health of those artists. The industry could do a much better job taking care of the artists outside of a financial level – we’ve seen now more than ever that artists need and deserve a real support system outside of the music that a lot people with “traditional jobs” are afforded. Whether it be insurance, access to therapy, etc., something is needed to protect our artists, and help them grow and elevate outside of their personal circumstances.
- What do you feel is the meaning of Hip Hop?
- Hip Hop is culture. Hip Hop represents not only specific cities at this point, but the shared experience between Black and Brown people across the world. The music, the fashion, the slang and more. It’s a representation of us way beyond the music.
- How has Hip Hop impacted culture?
- Hip Hop pushed the sound of music forward in many ways that I can’t describe. But look, there are country artists using 808s in their music. That says a lot about a lot.
- What is your favorite moment in Hip Hop history?
- The first thought that came up was hearing “I Did It My Way” by Jay-Z in my cousin’s dad’s car in 2001. It was one of a slew of moments where I was like “WHAT IS THIS?”
- Who is your personal Godmother or Godfather of Hip Hop?
- There’s only one answer, and it’s Kool Herc. None of this exists as we know it without him.
- What Hip Hop song do you have on repeat right now?
- “Reminisce” by Nas, “Just Wanna Rock” by Lil Uzi Vert, “Rich Flex” by Drake x 21 Savage, “19” by Dean Blunt x A$AP Rocky x Sauce Walka