Fingerprint Fest Vol. 5 celebrates hip-hop culture, youth identity, and community connection

PADUCAH — Day two of Fingerprint Fest Vol. 5 took place today at the Ohio Riverfront in Downtown Paducah, featuring dance battles, professional dancer showcases, youth performances, vendors, live DJ entertainment, and community activities.

The three-day event planned to celebrate all things about hip-hop culture arrived in town on Friday, June 12, and will continue to Sunday, June 14. Fingerprint Fest Vol. 5 featured a community impact mission, aiming to support local nonprofit the One Heart Foundation founded by Christina Mangrum-Thomas.

Founder and Owner of Fingerprint Hip Hop Studios and Crank Productions, Michael “Crank” Curry spoke about the importance of taking the time to celebrate hip-hop culture and the impression that it has on today’s youth.

Curry said that hip-hop is American culture.

“We really love to embrace the culture of hip-hop, and the fact that people embrace the performances and the energy, and come to show love,” he said. “That’s a big part of hip-hop culture, and how positive it can be. It’s all good vibes. it’s always brilliant to be able to share energy with other human beings, and so at fingerprint, that’s what we do through hip-hop.”

Curry took a moment to shine a light on all the dancers who visited Paducah for the event. He said that visitors drove from across the region to visit and enjoy the festivities, from places such as Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, and Illinois.

He said that living in the Midwest, we tend to forget that we’re part of the larger world as a whole. Despite that, he said he was pleased with the turnout and added that it’s great to see the community come out showing support and feeding their energy into the event. 

“Energy always comes back,” he said. “It’s just a big deal to have that support. Anybody that lacks support really understand the fact that it’s important to have community support in anything.”