Rap

Free Black!, the hip-hop collective developed by Floco Torres and Holbrook Riles III (HR3), released its third album, Black Tuesday! in October. The album explores themes around the economy and working class and includes an assortment of features from Akron-based musicians.

Children and their parents flocked to Akron’s Hardesty Park to attend a hip-hop “boot camp” this July. The event was hosted by Alien Arts, a new Akron nonprofit founded by Ameer Williamson, who performs as Minus the Alien. Williamson's organization is working with kids in the city to help them experience the four elements of hip-hop culture: DJing, MCing, breakdancing and graffiti art.

Cleveland hip-hop artist and mental health advocate Archie Green is taking his message to new audiences. His project, My Violin Weighs A Ton, aims to…