By Jennifer Abreu

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Sidewalk Music Series is an outdoor concert series that the Student Activities Board created to give campus a happier, more upbeat atmosphere.

Local hip-hop artists Devine Carama and Emanuel Webb are in charge of doing just that Thursday at noon outside of K-Lair.

Sidewalk Series was an idea introduced by Seth Murphy, the director of concerts at SAB, and has been catching students’ attention as they walk to and from classes.

Sidewalk Music Series started on Sept. 8 and has since been consistent in bringing local musicians to various locations around campus every Thursday.

Having the concerts at different parts of campus is a way to reach out to a larger number of students. Both artists performing this Thursday are from Lexington, and each has their own unique way of expressing their talents though music.

Devine Carama, a UK graduate who played minor league baseball for two years, said music has always been a part of his life, although he only started taking music seriously about five years ago. Carama is known for his original approach to hip-hop. He tries to be an inspiration for people with his powerful, positive lyrics.

Before turning music into a career, he said it was more like a hobby.

“Performing at open mics on campus, freestyle battles in the park and at house parties, and participating in local talent shows,” Carama said.

When asked his style of music, Carama simply said, “I am a hip-hop artist.”

“My goal in music is to inspire other artists creatively and motivate my people spiritually and socially,” he said. “Most college students are enlightened and progressive so they generally gravitate more to the socially conscious MC’s. I’m always delighted to rock out on any college campus — especially UK.”

For Thursday’s performance, Carama said he will definitely be performing the song “Hang Onto the World.”

Carama said he is very excited to perform outdoors and believes the Sidewalk Series is an excellent idea.

“Performing outside is so dope. It feels so free, it makes me feel like my lyrics can be heard miles away,” Carama said. “I think the Sidewalk Series is huge. I think it not only promotes indie and local music, which often speaks about the progressive things that college students can relate to, but it also provides a dose of free entertainment on campus and breaks up the monotony of their everyday lives.”

Webb, also known in the music industry as “Thoroughbred Webb”, has beenrecording since he was a senior in high school.

Webb attended KSU and became part of a trio called Kuntrynoiz.

Kuntrynoiz evolved into a band, added instrumentals and now performs in various states, according to Webb.

His style of music is a very distinct rap.

“Whether it’s the beats or the lyrics, I always aim for a left-field approach,” Webb said. “There’s no bragging about drugs and guns in my music. Just everyday topics brought up in an unconventional way.”

“‘Alternative Hip-Hop’ is probably the easiest description of my music,” Webb said.

Webb has five songs on deck for Thursday’s performance. Three of them, “B-Boy at Heart,” “Just Breathe” and “Well Wishes” are solos, which Webb said he loves performing and are “crowd pleasers.”

Webb said he has been saving two songs specifically to be unveiled at Sidewalk Series.

“I’m confident that (students) can really get into the new songs as well,” he said.

Webb performed at UK a few years ago during Open Mic night, and said the reception was good.

“Hopefully, that same warm reception can return,” Webb said.