Blue Note really is the place to host this event -- not only because of its sophisticated audio setup, but because it has slowly been becoming something integral to the hip-hop scene of Muskegon. Those who've attended Open Mic Wednesdays at the Blue Note can bear testament to this fact.

Much larger acts from around Michigan are also on the bill -- headliners like Pontiac's own One Be Lo (former member of the highly regarded underground hip-hop duo Binary Star) and mixtape DJ Young Mase, producer to D12.

According to Downie, all of the proceeds from the door will go the the Red Cross. She said she's anticipating a donation of between $8,000 and $10,000.

Former Michigan State standout and professional basketball player Mateen Cleaves will be in attendance to lend his support on Friday.

The concept of the event involves live music in the Blue Note alongside DJs and dance music across the way at Carbon.

Some may have misgivings about an event of this type and magnitude happening at this location. Blue Note/Carbon hasn't been without its problems. The term "hip-hop" itself can leave a bad taste in the mouth; can conjure visions of drugs and violence.

Organized by a small but die-hard army of local music fans, musicians and businesses, this event is uniquely poised to deliver an affirmation of local support for Haiti's plight.

"We want to make this place a center of community awareness," said Blue Note promotions and booking manager Lisa Downie.

"Hip-hop means a lot of different things to different people," said Downie. "I am optimistic that this event will set the tone for future events at our establishment. ... I'm really excited about it."

The list of area businesses and groups that have become involved is impressive as well. There will be raffles happening for goods and services donated by area businesses. The typical radio-station sponsors are here, in addition to area restaurants that have agreed to provide food for the event. And, yes, all of this coordinated by volunteer efforts and the Blue Note.

It's no surprise that some of these new faces will be gracing the stage at HH4H. Local newcomers like 19-year-old Alvenius Genius will appear beside veterans from the Grand Rapids hip-hop scene like Nixon, Ed Nino and Strangebox.

And not everyone involved is from Michigan. Ardent hip-hop philanthropists like Leif Kolt are coming all the way from California.

The event will offer "the greatest hip-hop samplings ever assembled in West Michigan." This is an astronomical claim, but if you haven't seen it yet, the roster of participating acts is dizzying to be sure: hip-hop and funk acts from all over the country, guest DJs, dance crews and local household-name bands.