A local artist is working to shine a spotlight on Sarnia’s growing hip hop scene.
Cody Digiuseppe, also known as LEOTHELIONZ, recently organized a Hip Hop Open Mic Night at the Crown Cafe Bar & Grill, and hopes to make it a regular event — showcasing local talent, and attracting acts from out of town.
“Hip Hop is alive and kicking in Sarnia,” Digiuseppe told The Journal. “There’s so much talent in our city — from rappers to videographers to producers. It’s time to shed light on these artists and build a thriving hip hop scene in Sarnia.”
The event provided a platform for emerging artists to shine, Digiuseppe explained, and featured a lineup of talented local artists, as well as some from as far as Michigan and Ohio.
"I wanted to give our local talent the opportunity to showcase their skills,” said Digiuseppe, whose music roots stem from his mother and her love for hip hop. “It's time to bring back that energy to Sarnia."
Digiuseppe says he plans to host regular hip hop nights at the Exmouth Street venue, every two months, to keep the momentum going.
“I'm committed to supporting local talent and providing opportunities for artists to showcase their craft,” he said. “It's about nurturing the Hip Hop culture here in Sarnia and beyond.”