From Monday November 16th to Friday December 11th the Manchester Hip Hop Archive (MHHA) will be delivering specially designed programming across the Unity Radio Network, taking audiences on a journey to explore Manchester, our international relationships and, Hip Hop between the 1980s and present day.
Join Molly Kennedy on the Unity Radio breakfast show each and every weekday morning from 7am for a series of specially programmed features, championing the elements of Hip Hop and sign-posting to our takeover shows across the week.
From Breaking through Fashion, Graffiti Art, Rapping and DJing. Each week Manchester Hip Hop researchers shine a spotlight on pioneers and Hip Hop-brands that have emerged in Manchester over the past 4 decades supported by specialist programming.
As part of the broadcast, the team will also be speaking about our Schools education programme, working in partnership with OneEducation. Introducing members of the education and volunteer team to talk about the work being developed at Unity Radio with partners for the forthcoming schools education programme in 2021.
Week 2 – ‘Fashion’
Join Molly Kennedy every week day morning from 08.00 GMT between Mon Nov 23 and Fri Nov 27, hosting the second week in a series of month long takeovers, celebrating Hip Hop ‘Fashion”, as part of the @mcr_hip_hop_archive takeover.
This week we take a look at the world of Hip Hop Fashion with Manchester legend Chris Hamer, Street Wear pioneer and MHHA Fashion Researcher, discussing the pioneers, brands and, influences that shaped Hip Hop style through the decades.
Monday Nov 23
Molly speaks exclusively to Chris Hamer about his work with the MHHA, how the experience of ‘hunting’ for rare and exclusive pieces as a skill and commitment, has changed with Hip Hops transition to the mainstream and the introduction of the internet, as well as, speaking about how listeners can get involved with the Archive collection before, Chris takes a brief tour around the City, explaining where some of the most significant shops for Street Wear were located and how these helped shape the city’s creative Northern Quarter we know today.
Tuesday Nov 24
We hear from Carhartt Manchester, discussing the influence work wear has had in Hip Hop, and in particular the North of England over the last 3 decades. Molly, plays tracks from once underground, popular growing US artists that championed and influenced the work wear look in the late 80’s and 90s, adopted by the streets of Manchester.
Wednesday Nov 25
Molly hears from the legendary urban vintage store, ‘BagsofFlavour’ situated in Manchester’s Northern Quarter as Chris introduces Unity Radio listeners to owner, Rich Gill, aka ‘Gilly’ who, built the store from his passion for Hip Hop music and fashion and they discuss his experiences and views.
Thursday Nov 25
Chris speaks to Manchester Skateboarding Store, Note, situated on Thomas Street. Follow the conversation to hear about the stores Nike SB Dunk collection and how Dunks became the resale shoe in 2020, as we begin to explore retail Vs resale.
Friday Nov 26
Chris catches up with Manchester’s first sneaker consignment store, Sneaker63, in China Town. Talking to owner Jack about the store, its community and how the resale market has developed.
This week, to celebrate the MHHA Fashion week, follow Unity Radio’s Instagram for instructions on how to get your hands on a Dunks bundle ( 2 pairs) with a T-shirt and Beanie ( curtousey of Note and Sneaker63).
The Manchester Hip Hop Archive, is the first single reference and resource hub for the Hip Hop community in the United Kingdom. It’s a unique platform for Hip Hop, Urban History, and the wider experience of grass roots inner city experiential history in Manchester. Launching Summer 2021, stay locked over the coming weeks to learn more about our local Hip Hop community and discover ways to get involved.
The Manchester Hip Hop Archive is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and supported by Manchester City Council, Arts Council England, Wakelet, OneEducation, Roland, 5-Day, and Manchester Central Library’
