With an all but non-existent local scene to take advantage of, State College hip-hop fans might finally have something to get excited about.
If fraternity mixes or dancing in a crowded nightclub just isn't enough, local bar goers have the opportunity to see Heiruspecs, a hip-hop group performing live at 9 tonight at Zeno's, 100 W. College Ave.
Consisting of a bassist, keyboardist, drummer and two MCs, Heiruspecs takes its live performances to a far greater depth than most of today's giants of rap and their mixing boards.
"It's my favorite kind of hip-hop," said Greg Gabbard, owner of City Lights Records, 316 E. College Ave. "Give me a live band over sampling any day."
Hailing from the capital of Minnesota, St. Paul, Heiruspecs got started in 1997 at St. Paul Central High School, where its members belonged to a recording arts program. Sean "Twinkiejiggles" McPherson would play bass while drummers rotated in and out of freestyle sessions, which Felix (Chris Wilbourn) would rhyme over.
From such humble beginnings, members of Heiruspecs can now say they've come as far as opening for bands such as Jurassic 5 and the White Stripes.
Felix describes the group's instrumentation as a unique sound, neither exactly rock- nor jazz-oriented. Primarily blues-influenced bass lines drive the sound, though touches of classical and R&B are evident in its keyboards.
"We're pretty much a well-rounded group of people as far as musical tastes," Felix said.
Taking lyrical cues from legends Run DMC, Rakim and Pharcyde, Felix is well aware of the power of mainstream hip-hop. He contrasts his band's underground success with the production and recognition afforded to big names in the game such as Snoop Dogg.
"It's kind of a different beast for the crowd to see the band," Felix said of Heiruspecs. "It's like five times the energy onstage."
Similar to groups like the Roots, Felix and company consider themselves an underground element of hip-hop that still exists, drawing more from culture than the mainstream. Yet the MC still realizes that mainstream pop music has a definite place with listeners.
"Sometimes people just want to shake their ass, and that's cool," Felix said. "Nowadays, I listen to Jay-Z probably more than I should admit to."
Bumping and grinding aside, tonight the spotlight is on live dynamics as Heiruspecs bring its talents to a wilted State College scene.
"I'll do almost any genre as long as it's quality material," said Zeno's manager David Staab.
Of-age hip-hop enthusiasts can take in Heiruspecs' inaugural State College visit for a mere $2 cover tonight at Zeno's. And don't be surprised to see Felix and crew coming back through town next February to promote its forthcoming album release. The message is simple.
"I love hip-hop and I want other people to love hip-hop," Felix said.
