HiSAM x SlappGood Bring Hawai‘i’s Talented Music Producers to the Stage

Castle Park. Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum

Music producers normally work behind-the-scenes at recording studios or on their laptops, investing countless hours to polish new music for release. Now, it’s their turn to get some recognition as they gather on HiSAM’s stage for a unique twist on First Friday.

Hosted in collaboration with SlappGood, this showcase will feature established and up-and-coming producers from different music backgrounds: Bimwala (3-time Grammy-nominated producer), Ohtoro (multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner), DJ Jrama (Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner), BooksDaOne (most tagged producer on social media to participate) and MaddMatt (producer from Las Vegas).

SlappGood, known for its popular Slapp Radio, is an O‘ahu-based independent media project that provides a “global platform to elevate the inside stories, issues and music of the Pacific Islands through the lens of our people.” For those curious, the term “slapp” is used to describe something good. SlappGood is proud to present the producer showcase that will allow the audience to put a face to the name of the music producers behind some of our favorite homegrown records.

This showcase will let five producers become DJs, where they will reveal their beats to a live audience through five rounds that last 1 minute and 30 seconds each. One of the rounds includes a sample flip, where the producers are given a specific sample to chop up to create their own custom never-before-heard beat. The showcase starts promptly at 6 p.m., so be there to cheer on your favorite producers.

Castle Park. Photo: Courtesy of Hawai‘i State Art Museum

Castle Park will take the stage during the latter part of the evening with their infectious rhymes, grooves and beats. The band consists of five members hip-hopping together since 2016, with music backgrounds ranging from punk rock and alternative to drum and bass. Their love for hip hop unites them, and you’ll feel it when you see them perform live. The group is currently working on their third EP, which will release later this year.

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First Friday will also include HiSAM’s “Fear of the Unknown” exhibition opening in the ‘Ewa Gallery on the second floor, where you can journey through a darker and more mysterious side of the Art in Public Places Collection. Be sure to check out the unveiling of this intriguing new exhibition.

First Friday, July 7, 6–9 p.m., free admission, Hawai‘i State Art Museum, 250 S. Hotel Street. hisam.hawaii.gov, @hawaiistateartmuseum

Lisa Shiroma is a correspondent for HiSAM and an artist and art educator. She is the former owner of the HiSAM Museum Gallery Shop, which she ran with partners Aly Ishikuni-Sasaki and Travis Sasaki from Mori by Art + Flea.