A new mural in downtown Chapel Hill will celebrate the town’s Hip Hop South Festival, which will take place later this month. Acclaimed artist Artie Barksdale will create the mural.

According to a release from the Town of Chapel Hill, Barksdale’s mural will include “images and icons of hip hop,” including a drum machine, a microphone and even a rooster.

“The rooster represents the southern hospitality, waking up early, and fighting for supremacy,” Barksdale said.

The mural will also feature a cassette tape, on which is written a quote from Atlanta-based rapper Andre 3000: “The South got something to say.”

The mural will be visible at 108 Henderson Street in Chapel Hill, on the side of the building housing the restaurant Imbibe and the bar Zog’s Pool. According to the release, the location was chosen due to being close to the former site of The Hideaway, a hip hop club from the early 2000s.

“Artie brings a fresh artistic style to the growing mural program,” said Chapel Hill Public Art Coordinator Steve Wright. “This work will contribute to the vibrancy and recovery of downtown Chapel Hill.”

The Hip Hop South Festival is sponsored by Carolina Performing Arts, and will take place on April 22 and 23 around Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Featured artists include Raleigh-based rapper Rapsody, who will be performing April 22 at Cat’s Cradle, and Grammy award-winning rapper Big Boi, who is performing at Memorial Hall on April 23. Big Boi rose to international fame as part of the group OutKast with Andre 3000.

For more information about tickets and how to attend, click here.

 

Featured image via Town of Chapel Hill

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