Hip-Hop performers, audiences ready to thrive in Athens

Around Athens, Montu Miller is known as the Hip-Hop Ambassador, sometimes the Godfather of Athens Hip-Hop, and performs under the name Mon2.

In the decade or so that he's been on the scene, he's been a promoter - getting the word out about shows, organizing artists, backing them. As an artist himself, it's been a busy job. And sometimes frustrating. Shows over the years could be hit or miss, he says. Support has waxed and waned, but no matter what, he's soldiered on.

Today, he's a dad and has stepped back a bit - though he stays active on the scene, stepping in as an organizer and host emcee where he's needed.

But what he wants Athens to know right now: Hip-hop is in a good place, with a great pool of talent and support that's set to mix the indie scene Athens is known for with the hip-hop artists who've made a name for themselves or who even now are emerging.

"It's a fresh start," he says. "We had a dip a couple of years ago, but it's all been coming back together. We're more organized; we've learned from the past on how to make things better."

Hip to the hop

For starters there's Mean Mic Tuesdays, which draws regular, supportive, cheering crowds, notes local promoter and artist Tommy Valentine.

It's an event that's had its starts and stops over the years, and has changed locations a few times.

Last year, the regular Tuesday night spot was at New Earth Music Hall, but earlier this month, Mean Mic moved to Flanagan's, a more central location that offers a free cover - though Valentine notes New Earth was "extremely accommodating" as well.

Miller attributes the renewed enthusiasm partly to an ever-repopulating student base as well as a roundup of local talent that draws devoted fans and new faces alike. Some artists also are figuring out how to bring in people who otherwise might not go to hip-hop shows.

For instance, RedKlay, a group that's been around for about five years, has organized a show Saturday at New Earth Music Hall that's a first in Athens, Miller says.

It'll have a roster that's made up of hip-hop artists as well as rock/indie/heavy-metal Athens bands.

"With hip-hop, a lot of times we don't feel like we get the same res

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