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Greg Allmain, Contributing writer

If you lived in the '80s, then you probably know his songs. His raspy voice, combined with catchy hooks, made Tone Loc one of the first rap stars in America.

Pullman's first hip-hop festival, "Back to the Old School," will be tonight from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the CUB Lair, and Loc will be the headlining act.

In addition to having a hip hop pioneer at the event, WSU students and Pullman residents have a chance to show off their hip-hop skills in a number of competions.

Hot 104.3's DJ Goldfinger will preside over a number of events for the evening.

Events will include emcee, disc jockey and break dancing competitions. Also included in the event will be performances by local artists such as Kady Kane, The Alliance and Hollow Point.

Tina Turnbull, ASWSU Entertainment Committee co-chair, is looking forward to developing this hip-hop festival into a yearly event.

"It's definitely obvious that there is talent and a hip-hop scene at WSU and it needs the right show to support it," Turnbull said. "Hopefully this show will become bigger every year."

Kristina Higuchi, a freshman communication major and member of the ASWSU entertainment committee, also said she is excited for the emcee competition.

"I'm really looking forward to the emcee competition," she said. "With Eminem's '8 Mile' coming out, it should be ineresting to see how it inspires people."

Christina Ton, public relations intern for ASWSU, said she expects a large turnout for the event.

"It looks like it's gonna be pretty big," she said.

Before events start on tonight, there will be a free break dancing showcase in the CUB Lair during lunchtime.

The Massive Monkeys, a group from Seattle, will display their break dancing skills. The group will also be the judges for the evenings events.

One hopeful participant in the emcee competition is Sean Bennington (a.k.a. Miss Muffet). Bennington says he's anxious for tonight.

"Yeah I'm excited for (tonight)," he said. "It's a chance for me to rock the mic and hopefully rock it right."

Tickets for the festival can be purchased for $5 in the CUB before the show or for $8 at the door. Free tickets can be won by listening to Hot 104.3's program, "Hot Ride at Five," which airs from 5 to 7 p.m. daily.