If you're an avid Instagrammer, you're probably familiar with the local hashtags: #kamloopsbc, #explorekamloops, #kamloopsviews and so on.
But there's a new one floating around: #RapLoops.
The hashtag and corresponding Instagram page were created by Thompson Rivers University student Connor James in late January, in an effort to promote local rappers.
"I've got a few friends who rap and just thought there's a lot of talent in the community and wanted to draw some attention to it," James tells KamloopsMatters. "We're covering a lot of artists. Outside of Kamloops, we've got rappers from Vancouver, Trail, Castlegar and Penticton."
Some of the artists featured on the social media platform include Hazardous, The Kwote, Richy Kwan, Donny Lambo, Hanz and Lostboys.
Posts are a mix of videos, promo posters and clips of songs.
"So far, the response from the community has been great. We’ve had an opportunity to unite the hip-hop community in town and give them one face," says James, noting the Instagram page has more than 1,900 followers.
"Right now, we’re just trying to provide a platform for artists to connect with each other as well as their fans. We want to create that feedback loop with the fans so that artists, they can adjust their music accordingly with the way the fans are taking it."
James has also launched a Facebook page, but that hasn't got off the ground like Instagram.
"I think our target demographic is more active on Instagram," he says, adding any artist who wants to be featured on the page should use the #RapLoops hashtag or reach out via Instagram.
If you thought James was a rapper himself, you'd be wrong. The science student enjoys the music genre and is "pretty impressed" by the local talent.
Some of the Kamloops-based rappers will be at CJ's on Friday, May 3 for a show, from 8 to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $5 and can be purchased online (click HERE).