Cowboy Hip-hop: Rodeo showcases urban, cowboy culture

A unique event that combines denim and DJs makes its return to the Mesquite Arena, 1818 Rodeo Drive, on Saturday, March 16. Hip Hop Cowboys, a rodeo event that mixes urban music with cowboy culture, will take over the arena for the second year in a row.

"The event did great last year," said Damon Leffall, Hip Hop Cowboys CEO. "Last year we spent a lot of time explaining what we were trying to do. This year there are 3,500 people that already understand what we are all about. We are looking to add to the show's production value and audience."

The event combines the sport of rodeo with hip hop, rap, blues and house music. This year the event will feature performances by hip-hop artist Mystikal and blues artist Sir Charles Jones.

"Hip Hop Cowboys is about living life in the way that you can here in Texas," Leffall said. "This event opens a lot of eyes and minds to rodeo and also to new musical artists that are taking the best of the south, from our music to our sports, and remixing it in their own way. The event is non-stop entertainment. You can't miss it."

Professional bull rider Craig Jackson is back this year as well. Jackson is known as the only rapping bull rider on the rodeo circuit.

"I grew up with influences from all sides: rap, country, hip-hop, you name it," Jackson said. "I bring all that to both my bull riding and my music. The fans seem to appreciate it as much as I enjoy making it."

The rodeo action begins at 7 p.m., featuring events such as bull riding, team roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling and lady's barrel racing. Hip Hop Cowboys will also include relay racing, a fast-paced rodeo event that thrills the crowd with riders on horseback racing each other around the arena using a relay format.

This year the event will allow the kids in the audience to participate in the fun with a calf scramble and the wild, bucking sport of "mutton bustin'." The rodeo also features a rodeo horse that sits like a dog and a dually pickup truck on 24-inch rims.

"We will be showcasing the connection between cowboys and their animals. The horse that sits like a dog is an example of that," Leffall said. "The dually on 24-inch rims is something you will only see at our rodeo."

Headline performer Mystikal is a rapper and southern hip-hop artist from Louisiana best known for his hit, "Shake It Fast." Blues artist Sir Charles Jones will perform old-school blues.

"Last year we had Juvenile, who was a hip-hop icon ... with hits from the 1990s to early 2000s. This year we follow the same path with Mystikal. We want to bring in people that have been relevant for the last 15 years. We added the blues and Zydeco music to cater to the older crowd as well. Our goal is if you come to the event you will hear your type of music," Leffall said.

Ticket prices for Hip Hop Cowboys start at $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, the Mesquite Arena and at the door. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

For information on suite rentals or group sales, contact the arena at 972-285-8777. For information on the event, visit Hip Hop Cowboys' website at www.hiphopcowboy.com.

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