Lifestyle

Hip Hop Evolution

Published

3 years ago

September 23, 2022

Hip hop music, sometimes called urban music, is an increasingly popular genre of modern popular music developed in inner-city African American and Latino neighborhoods in the United States during the early to mid-nineties. With the use of sampling from a wide variety of musical sources, such as jazz, soul, and hip-hop recording artists gained mainstream popularity and began touring with ensembles that frequently included members from other cultures. The most prominent members of this “crews” were often teenagers who frequently dressed in hoodies and sweatpants to blend with the aesthetics of the hip hop scene. The music was often politically related and the focus was more on the social and political issues that affected black and Latino youth from different backgrounds.

Hip hop music and urban street culture came under the influence of many other cultural and political factors, such as urban crime, the AIDS epidemic, rap battles, marijuana use and abuse, as well as the end of the Jim Crow era. However, over time, hip hop and its artists have come to represent the very core essence of what the United States stood for. Many Americans began to identify with the imagery of African Americans that they found in hip-hop lyrics and recordings, as well as the violence, disrespect, and stereotypes that they found associated with the genre. In the past few decades, hip hop artists such as Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane have been criticized by other Americans for their depiction of police officers and minorities. However, these artists have become some of the most celebrated artists in hip hop history.

The origins of hip-hop music can be traced back to the birth of the music industry itself. During the early years of the decade, rap music was largely defined by the production of crack cocaine and powder heroin. In response to the rising popularity of urban music that was characterized by its coarse and abrasive delivery, record labels began to promote rap artists who were considered to be more “street” in appearance. Two of the pioneers of this movement are Fatboy Slim and Rakim.

Crack cocaine helped to define the sound of hip hop in its early days. When it became popular, crack cocaine was often used as a mask for the drug use and criminal activities that users engaged in. Other substances soon became associated with the lifestyle that hip hop was presenting, such as the cocaine hit “911.” Over the course of the next few years, the use of drugs, especially powdered cocaine began to appear more frequently in rap songs, as well as being used as a status symbol.

By the mid-1990s, rap artists were beginning to display a sort of rebelliousness that had not been seen before in hip hop music. Numerous groups like the Beastie Boys represented the emergence of a new kind of hip hop artists who were making their statements through politically charged lyrics. In addition to these political lyrics, many of these groups were also displaying a style that was reminiscent of the urban street gangs that existed in areas such as East Los Angeles during the early 1990s. Ganging together in groups that did not necessarily have a unified musical style, these groups made music that was unique and individualistic. The end result was a music style that was both new and interesting, drawing fans in who wanted to experience something different than the typical hip hop artists.

A number of hip hop artists who are known today began to become popular around this time as well. Artists such as Juice, Akrobatics, Flavor Flav, Scarface, Eazy-E, the Fugees, Flavor Flav, and the Not So New York Crew began to make their names known by rhyming about their preference of foods. Some of these groups went on to form crews and formed what is now known as the “Gangsta” type of hip hop. One of the most famous of this type of crew was the crews that would travel across the United States to engage in illegal activities, which would include holding parties, using graffiti art to create scaring targets, shooting guns, and many other illegal activities.

Lifestyle

Why Winter Is the Most Strategic Season to Plan a Major Home Renovation

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

Most homeowners believe spring is the ideal time to start planning a renovation. In reality, winter gives you more control, more clarity, and a better overall experience when preparing for a major remodel. If you live in Roanoke, Salem, Franklin County, or near Smith Mountain Lake, winter provides advantages you will never get once warm weather arrives.

Here is why serious homeowners and real estate investors often plan their largest projects during the winter months.

1. Contractors Have Better Availability for Planning and Design

The busiest season for Class A contractors begins in early spring. Winter creates the breathing room needed for accurate planning, detailed estimates, and thoughtful design discussions. If you want a contractor who can give your project real attention, winter is simply a smarter time to start the conversation.

2. Indoor Renovations Fit Perfectly Into Winter Timelines

Kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, basement finishing, and whole-home renovations are ideal winter projects. Crews work indoors. Weather delays vanish. Material conditions stay stable. Project timelines stay predictable.

While some homeowners wait for warmer months, others take advantage of winter’s efficiency and avoid the crowded spring rush.

3. Material Lead Times Are Stronger Before Spring Demand Hits

Every year, spring triggers delays in cabinetry, flooring, windows, doors, and custom fixtures. Prices shift upward and production queues fill fast.

Starting your renovation planning in winter gives you access to:

faster material quotes
quicker shipping
lower risk of backorders
more flexibility with design choices

Planning ahead eliminates the stress homeowners often feel when waiting for critical items to arrive.

4. You Reach the Front of the Line for a Spring or Early Summer Finish

A winter planning window leads to a spring start and a predictable completion timeline. The finished space is ready exactly when families in the Roanoke and SML areas want to host guests, enjoy the lake, or prepare their homes for the summer season.

Waiting until spring often means a late-summer or early-fall completion, especially for larger renovations.

5. Winter Helps You See What Your Home Actually Needs

Cold weather exposes the weak points of a property. Drafty rooms, aging windows, moisture issues, cramped layouts, and outdated kitchens or bathrooms all become more noticeable this time of year.

These pain points help homeowners prioritize the improvements that will deliver the highest return on comfort, function, and property value.

Want a deeper look at why winter is such a powerful season to start planning?

Wohlford Contracting created a full breakdown here:
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Start Your Next Major Renovation

This guide explains the exact advantages winter offers homeowners planning kitchens, bathrooms, additions, and major whole-home projects in the Roanoke and Smith Mountain Lake regions.

Final Thought

Homeowners who use winter strategically avoid the delays, shortages, and rushed decisions that often come with spring renovations. Whether you are upgrading your home for long-term comfort or preparing it for sale, winter is the ideal season to start the process.

Lifestyle

From Hesitation to Renovation – How One Rocky Mount Homeowner Discovered the Smartest Investment They Ever Made

Published

9 months ago

March 23, 2025

Image…..you are Mark:

I’ll be honest—I wasn’t looking for a home renovation.

My name’s Mark, and I’ve lived in Rocky Mount, VA, for almost two decades. My wife and I bought a cozy Cape Cod-style home back in 2006, and for the longest time, we loved its charm—original hardwood floors, crown molding, the whole bit. But as the years rolled on, the kitchen felt tighter, the bathroom tiles got dingier, and that half-finished basement became more of a storage graveyard than a functional space.

We talked about remodeling for years. But we always pushed it off. Too expensive. Too messy. Too many decisions.

Then one morning, while sipping coffee and scrolling through local news, I stumbled on a blog post from Wohlford Contracting—“Why Home Renovations in Rocky Mount, VA Are a Smart Investment.” At first, I nearly clicked away. But something about it stopped me. It wasn’t just the tips on kitchen upgrades or the before-and-after photos—it was the way it framed renovations not just as aesthetic upgrades, but as long-term investments in comfort, efficiency, and property value.

So, I read another post—“Transform Your Home with Expert Renovation Services in Rocky Mount.” This one went deeper: energy savings, better use of space, higher resale value, and the ripple effect on everyday living. It wasn’t just about making your house look good—it was about making it work better for your life.

That week, I showed the articles to my wife, and we agreed: maybe it was time.

We called Wohlford Contracting.

From the very first consultation, we knew we were in good hands. The team didn’t just toss us a list of services—they listened. They asked about our goals, lifestyle, even our future plans. We ended up remodeling the kitchen, updating the bathrooms, and converting the basement into a home office and guest suite. Every space now feels intentional.

The Impact? Huge.

We’re hosting more family dinners now that the kitchen has room to breathe.
Our energy bills have dropped thanks to better insulation and energy-efficient windows.
Our home’s value has increased—a realtor friend told us we could get 30% more if we ever decided to sell.

And honestly? We’re just happier here.

For anyone sitting on the fence, I get it. Renovations can feel overwhelming. But if you’re in Rocky Mount and thinking of upgrading, don’t wait. Read the same post I did: Why Home Renovations in Rocky Mount Are a Smart Investment and check out the team behind it at Wohlford Contracting in Rocky Mount, VA.

Your future self will thank you.

Lifestyle

Elevate Your Vinton, VA Home or Business with Professional Remodeling

Published

10 months ago

February 7, 2025

Introduction

Vinton, VA is a growing community where homeowners and business owners alike are investing in renovations to enhance their properties. Whether you’re looking to modernize your home, increase property value, or transform your commercial space, professional remodeling can make all the difference. That’s where Wohlford Contracting steps in, bringing expert craftsmanship and dedicated service to every project.

Why Invest in Remodeling in Vinton, VA?

Vinton is more than just a small town outside Roanoke; it’s a thriving community with a strong real estate market and a commitment to maintaining beautiful homes and businesses. Renovating your space offers several benefits:

Increased Property Value – Well-executed renovations can significantly boost your home’s resale value.
Enhanced Comfort & Functionality – Modern layouts, energy-efficient upgrades, and stylish designs improve daily living.
Better Business Appeal – Updated commercial spaces attract more customers and create a professional environment.

With these advantages in mind, investing in remodeling is not just about aesthetics—it’s about making smart, long-term improvements.

Home Remodeling in Vinton, VA

From historic homes to modern builds, Vinton homeowners trust Wohlford Contracting for renovations that match their vision. Our team specializes in:

🏡 Kitchen Remodeling – Custom cabinetry, premium countertops, and open layouts.

🛁 Bathroom Upgrades – Luxury showers, vanities, and energy-efficient fixtures.

🏠 Home Additions – Expand your living space with expertly crafted room additions.

🔨 Basement Finishing – Transform underutilized spaces into functional rooms.

For more details, visit our Vinton, VA Remodeling Services page.

Commercial Remodeling for Vinton Businesses

Businesses in Vinton thrive when they invest in well-designed, efficient spaces. Wohlford Contracting partners with local companies to deliver top-tier commercial renovation services, including:

🏢 Office Renovations – Optimize your workspace for productivity and professionalism.

🍽️ Restaurant & Retail Build-Outs – Create inviting spaces that enhance customer experience.

🔧 Commercial Repairs & Updates – Keep your property up to code and visually appealing.

A fresh, updated commercial space can help you stand out in Vinton’s competitive market while improving customer satisfaction and employee morale.

For insights on why local businesses trust us, check out this article.

Why Choose Wohlford Contracting?

✔️ Local Experience – We understand the unique styles and construction needs of Vinton, VA.

✔️ Custom Solutions – Every project is tailored to the client’s vision and needs.

✔️ Quality Craftsmanship – We use only the best materials and building practices.

✔️ Reliable & On-Time – Our team prioritizes efficiency without compromising quality.

Start Your Vinton Remodeling Project Today!

If you’re considering a home or business renovation in Vinton, VA, don’t settle for anything less than the best. Wohlford Contracting is here to bring your vision to life with expert remodeling services you can trust.

📞 Call today for a free consultation!
📩 Contact us online to discuss your renovation needs: Wohlford Contracting.

🚀 Let’s build something incredible together in Vinton, VA!