Blame It On Hip Hop $500 scholarship

Applications have been pouring in, as students across the nation express their experiences and opinions about Hip Hop. Essay details can be found on Blame It On Hip Hop’s website, and applications will be accepted through March 15, 2010. I sat down with Marcus Manning for a briefing on the company and their national scholarship contest.

B FRESH: First of all, what is “Blame It On Hip Hop?”
Marcus Manning: Blame It On Hip-Hop (BIOHH) is an apparel company based in the Twin Cities, but we are about more than hot clothes—we are a movement dedicated to fusing three elements: one, highlighting the positive aspects of Hip-Hop, two, giving back to the community, and three, looking fresh while doing it! We are committed to highlighting the great strengths and positive aspects of the Hip Hop culture, and you can see us out in the community putting in work.

BF: So where did the idea for Blame It On Hip Hop come from?
Actually, I woke up one morning fed up with Hip Hop continually being blamed for societal ills. I decided to make a t-shirt saying just that–“Blame it on Hip Hop.” However, we flipped it, and the so-called “blame” is on the fact that Hip Hop has brought people from all cultures together. Hip Hop has given our kids opportunities, got them off the streets and on the stage and so on. That is the only blame we can put on Hip Hop.

BF: That is an interesting approach. But what do you think the general public’s perception is when they hear your name “Blame It On Hip Hop without hearing your story and background?”
MM: The assumption is that we’re saying “F-Hip Hop, it’s to blame for anything and everything wrong.” However, the slogan creates conversation, which is a starting place for greater understanding–That’s what the phrase invites. People always ask, “Wait a minute, what do you mean by that?” Then, we get the chance to build and educate.

BF: How did you decide to start up a scholarship? What did that process look like?
MM: We value education and always have. We were trying to decide what we could do that would be impactful to potential students. BIOHH wanted to make sure that we created opportunity and encouragement for first time college students, and increased the probability for students to stay in school. We carefully chose an advisory panelists that are not only lovers of the Hip Hop culture but who are currently active in various ventures designed around keeping the culture rolling. We developed engaging questions for the essay, criteria for the contest, locating potential sources to assist in spreading the word, contacting media outlets, getting on the radio and doing interviews to spread the word. So far, we have received many essays from across the country from young people who are passionate about elevating Hip Hop culture.

BF: So the reception to the scholarship has been good so far?
MM: It’s been pretty steady, but we’d still like to see a lot more essays! The reason being is that the more people can speak, write, rap etc. about how Hip Hop is affecting them, the deeper the meaning. Sometimes, putting your thoughts on paper can have a crazy effect on your views.

BF: What new message/ideas do you want consumers to walk away with after they purchase your product?
MM: We want people to know that it’s important to invest in brands and products that are concerned with doing good. An investment in the BIOHH brand means that we’re able to produce more shirts, which in turn, allows us to develop more scholarships and make education a real option for people around the world.

BF: What makes you message different from FUBU or Sean Jean? How do you distinguish yourself from the rest of the clothing lines out there?
MM: We’ve all worn Sean John and Fubu and countless other brands. Sean John was my joint. Our goal is to consistently bring highly moving aspects of the Hip Hop culture to the forefront. When we uplift the community through the work on the ground everyday, it’s beneficial to everyone involved in Hip Hop. It’s not so much for self-promotion. Yes, we are a for-profit company but our road to the top is different.

BF: When developing your product, what are the main elements that you keep in mind?
MM: When developing our product, we must create apparel that is aligned with the values of our company: movement, fashion and advancement. We hold ourselves to a high standard. As a social entrepreneurship venture, we are intimately allied with Hip-Hop, and we stand behind the idea that people come before product. We strive to make sure the quality of the product compliments the quality of the conversation.

BF: How does the fashion statement with your t-shirts you are making match the mission of the company?
Over the years, we’ve had tons of designs. From wild break dancing shirts to straight text. Just like Hip Hop, there are so many facets, styles and ways of expressing your individuality.

BF: In the end, what does success for BIOHH look like?
MM: Our goal is to become the leading company producing thought-provoking t-shirts worldwide. That means that people all over globe are wearing the BIOHH brand– they become part of the movement, fashion, and advancement of the Hip Hop culture.