Freeway, local acts perform to launch new student organization

While growing up in Columbus, Ohio, senior Kiwan Lawson performed hip-hop with his brother in different venues for fun. As they began to perform more and more, they started developing relationships with record labels such as Bad Boy Entertainment and artists like Yung Joc. Now, Lawson is using those connections to get artists discovered around IU. \nLawson, a member of IU's track and field team, developed the student organization SoundProof last year through his company and recording studio, Depth Productions Inc., in an attempt to bring record companies and contacts to Bloomington.\nThe first SoundProof event, "Celebrity All Star Party," will kick off at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Willkie Auditorium. The event, which costs $10 in advance and $20 at the door, will be hosted by hip-hop artist Freeway and student artists. \nLawson's brother, Kelly, whose stage name is Rikk Reighn, will also perform this Saturday. When the two were young, Lawson said their talent was so noticeable that they were able to write the title song for the 2001 movie "Jacked Up." Since then, Reighn has released many mix tapes and singles and is currently in the process of releasing his first album.\nRikk Reighn calls his take on hip-hip a "North Coast" version. \n"It's just another form to add to hip-hop and make people understand what we do and where we're from," he said. "Ohio, Minnesota, Michigan -- all the states on the 'North Coast' of America -- bring music to the forefront and let people understand it. This is us being us and being comfortable with where we're from."\nLawson has pulled out all the stops promoting the event. He has launched a Web site with information about Depth Productions and SoundProof, distributed flyers and started recruiting people for events. Lawson even started a Facebook group and two Facebook events, which have gained a following of about 200 people.\nIU sophomore Lakyra Pharms was recruited by Lawson and has been involved with the organization since it was founded last year. Pharms is slated to perform in the concert this weekend. She originally performed in sorority and fraternity open mic nights and eventually made it into IU Soul Revue last year. \n"I've been writing music forever," Pharms said, "but I didn't get serious about it until junior year of high school. I had written songs and poems before, but it was just for fun. I used to sing for some of my friends, and then people started liking some of that stuff." \nLawson said he has events rolling around in his head to plan for later this year, but he's still trying to pull the strings to make them happen. \n"Everyone has something to bring to the table," Lawson said, "but I'm just trying to get it around campus and away from the bar scene. Hopefully, it'll be one of the better events that IU has seen"