(AllHipHop News) Much of the business oriented news coming out of Detroit the last few years has been more negative than positive, but one former local institution is set to reopen its doors in the Motor City.
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The owners of the iconic Hip Hop Shop, the site where Eminem, D12, and many of Detroit’s underground emcees began to put in their 10,000 hours of mastery, is planning to relaunch the venue/store in the coming months.
Jerome Mongo and Maurice Malone opened the Hip Hop Shop on Detroit’s 7th Mile in 1993 and hosted Saturday open mic rap battles until its closing in 1998. This time around they plan to upgrade the location for a 21st century feel which may include extreme sports activities and visual art.
“It will be a whole different vibe,” said Mongo. “It’s going to be totally different clothing. The scene isn’t going to be recreated. It’s going to be totally different – totally different.”
The 90’s version of the Hip Hop Shop was the inspiration for the battle rap scenes in Eminem’s semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile. The movie even depicted the main character’s close friend, played by Mekhi Phifer, as the host of the events at the locale. Em’s real-life right-hand-man, the late Proof, actually served as the master of ceremonies for the Hip Hop Shop’s Saturday rap battles.
A location for the new Hip Hop Shop has not been finalized yet, but the areas of Cass Corridor or Eastern Market are being considered.
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Watch a video about the Hip Hop Shop below.