LEXINGTON, Ky. — Hip-hop artists around the Bluegrass are taking things to the next level with the help of local recording studios like the Hip Hop Fraternity.

What You Need To Know

  • An artist and talent scout in Frankfort hopes to inspire big conversations for Kentucky musicians

  • Kentucky’s Hip Hop Fraternity is connecting artists to national attention

  • Sensei Nowa and Rise the Mag Studios help cultivate Kentucky rappers’ skills for major deals

  • The group often partners with nonprofits for community clean-up, festivals and mentoring

In seconds, Sensei Nowa, the co-owner of Rise the Mag studios in Frankfort, can track his artist’s digital footprint.

“An audience reaction to a post — I can see how they react to a release. I can see how they react to anything that the artist does,” Nowa said. 

As an artist rep, Nowa said it’s all about marketing and getting talent out there. It’s how he sifts through factors that bring an artist like himself to the center stage.

One of those ways includes connecting artists to the Hip-Hop Fraternity, a national organization inspiring unity in the genre. It’s known for support from names like Ice T, Snoop Dogg and rapper Boosie.

“If they’re involved in the industry, then they are a part of us and we are in control of this entire region, so that’s Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati and Frankfort,” Nowa said. 

The CEO of the Louisville chapter says the organization is all about mentorship and promoting the culture through powerful connections. 

Something that shaped his sound and brand with the help of those wanting to invest. It landed him on iTunes top 100 charts. 

Nowa aims to put Kentucky on the map for its voice in hip-hop.

“In this environment, where it’s not present is major—it’s off the Richter scale,” he said about the opportunities coming out of Kentucky. “They don’t understand that Kentucky is a bear market.”

It’s why they are joining forces by bridging the gap in Frankfort to get kids in the area started early in the community and hip-hop culture.

“We joined HHF. We have to bring in a few kids here and there. We’ve got to fill them out and see who likes what one by one and two by two,” said Frankfort’s Bridging the Gap program’s Roni Robinson.

When artists are ready, like locals Anthony Brooks or Q Bizz from Lexington, they too can show what musical talents Kentucky is made of. 

Correction: A previous version of this story stated Sensei Nowa was the owner of Rise the Mag studio. This version has been corrected to reflect Sensei Nowa is the co-owner of Rise the Mag Studio. (July 19, 2023)