Photo by Ashley Cordes
Dr. Jeb Middlebrook, also known as DJ Jus Rhyme, has shifted the meaning of “triple threat” with his endeavors as academic, artist and activist. Combining the skills on his multifaceted resume Middlebrook is now a resident DJ at Ashley’s, a bar on 4th Street hosting a monthly event he’s calling The People’s Party.
On his unique background, Middlebrook said, “All aspects have their possibilities and limitations, but when you connect those three it feels holistic. Academia offers deep study. With art you celebrate; you connect and you feel deep emotion. Activism can envision and implement possibility.”
Middlebrook is best known for his appearance on VH1’s 2007 The (White) Rapper Show and has been featured on MTV, NBC and ABC. With his heavy involvement in community organizing, a doctorate from The University of Southern California in American Studies and Ethnicity, and day job as a tenure-track professor at Cal State Dominguez Hills, Middlebrook is not your typical rapper.
He learned how to rap and disk jockey while restoring houses in the Santa Monica Mountains during a stint with the service organization AmeriCorps. Born in Minnesota, this 33-year-old has moved throughout California quite a bit, both in the name of community organizing and college education. During his gap-year after high school, he decided to combine his love for activism and rapping.
The content of his music is markedly socially minded, addressing issues of race, gender, economics and sexuality.
“That’s what it’s always been about. How do you make community volunteerism fun? How do you swag that out?” said Middlebrook.
After making the move from Los Angeles to Long Beach last year he created the concept of The People’s Party which features an all-request DJ set to put the power of music choice in the hands of the people. The event will take place the last Saturday of each month with no cover charge, cheap drinks and free tabling for artists and activists.
Patrons of The People’s Party can text in song requests live, which makes for a sonically eclectic event. Middlebrook said past events have had different vibes depending on requests, one being classic, funk and old-school hip-hop and another featuring dub-step and rock.
“It’s totally a hodge-podge,” said Middlebrook. “If you don’t like to be surprised, innovative, see new things bubbling up, you probably wouldn’t have a good time there.”
He said that taking all requests allows people to hear the songs that take their night to the next level. “What happens when you trust the people? That people and the community know best. What kind of parties and moments come out of that?” he asked.
Middlebrook said he envisioned a community space where the activists, artists and neighbors in Long Beach could collaborate. Tarot card readers, Occupy Long Beach, Long Beach Free School and other groups have tabled at previous parties.
“It’s become a magnet for good people having good times. Whatever it becomes, I’m not sweating it. If people are enjoying themselves, and activists are making money, I’ve met the goal,” said Middlebrook.
Making rap become recognized as a viable fine art form in academia is something he is also working to do with his publications and teaching. Middlebrook offers courses including “Sociology of Hip-Hop” at CSUDH while continuing organizing for AWARE-LA and hosting as DJ.
He said he’d like to see academics that teach activism give back to their communities and The People’s Party is one of the ways Middlebrook practices what he preaches.
“I always say there’s an ‘I’ in community. There’s also a ‘u’ and there’s unity. So to me that word suggests what’s possible. I can get mine, you can too, when we unify,” said Middlebrook.
The People’s Party takes place 8PM-2AM at Ashley’s Bar and Grill located at 1731 E. 4th St. on the last Saturday of every month. Free, 21+ with ID. Drink specials all night and free tables for artists and activists. For more information regarding the event and Jus Rhyme visit peoplesparty.biz and jusrhyme.com
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