Join us for a dynamic fusion of academic discourse and cultural celebration. Engage with renowned scholars, influential artists, and passionate enthusiasts as we explore the multifaceted dimensions of Hip Hop’s impact on society, music, fashion, and activism. 

Delve into thought-provoking panel discussions, captivating performances, and interactive workshops. Uncover the intricate narratives that shape the genre’s past, present, and future. From breakdancing to lyricism, graffiti to social justice, this conference is a platform for understanding Hip Hop culture like never before. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating opportunity at Howard University!

Events discussed in the episode:

August 11, 2023 | Hip-Hop 50 Live | Bronx, New York

“Co-produced by Live Nation, Mass Appeal, and Yankee Stadium, Hip-Hop 50 Live will celebrate the genre’s 50th birthday in The Bronx this August.”

August 11, 2023 | The Block Party for Hip Hop 50 | Nairobi, Kenya

August 11th, 1973 is a historic date in the Hip Hop community & as 2023 marks 50 years of this global cultural phenomenon, tuko na form! On August 11th, UnKut Africa presents The Block Party (Hip Hop 50 Edition).

August 12, 2023 | NMAAHC Hip-Hop Block Party | Washington, DC

“The Hip-Hop Block Party returns to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, celebrating the culture and music that has been originated and shaped by Black America for decades. This year’s celebration will honor 50 years of hip-hop’s artistry, innovation, and global transcendence.

The 2023 Hip-Hop Block Party will feature multi-generational performances by some of hip-hop’s most influential DJs, artists, and cultural influencers. Attendees will also be able to participate in interactive activities, such as graffiti art, breakdancing, and more. There will also be hip-hop-focused tours of NMAAHC’s renowned galleries, revealing the genre’s connection to centuries-old improvisation and social-consciousness traditions.”

October 8-14 | Chattanooga Hip Hop Week | Chattanooga, TN

The fourth annual Chattanooga Hip-Hop Summit is a conference that celebrates Chattanooga Hip-Hop culture through an entrepreneurial lens and is primarily a Black-led initiative serving majority Black communities in Chattanooga and the Southeastern United States.

Our aim is to (1) bring in industry experts to help educate local and regional artists and those in the hip-hop industry, (2) highlight the talents of our local artists, and (3) bring hip-hop to the forefront of our community as a legitimate industry or career path.

October 14-17, 2023 | Freestyle Lab: NYC | New York

Freestyle Lab by WorldStrides is a weekend of workshops and rehearsals with featured artists in the hip-hop industry.

You will then perform on two of the most famous stages in the world—The Apollo Theatre and Carnegie Hall!

This experience goes beyond the beat to immerse you in this American art form with a story as powerful as its sound. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in its birthplace, New York City, with hands-on, icon-led instruction that culminates in a legendary performance onstage at Carnegie Hall exploring the evolution of hip-hop.

November 8-10th | Global Conference on Hip-Hop Education | Los Angeles, CA

The 2023 Global Conference on Hip Hop Education will expand upon our previous theme, which focused on the foundation of the culture and explore how this culture both migrated out of New York to states like California (i.e. the Golden State) and into popular culture and academia in the late 1970s to mid-1980s. Our conference theme “From the Golden Era to the Golden State,” will guide us as we explore the foundation of this culture, understand what brought about an increase in cultural diffusion, and how lessons learned from the golden era can inform current pedagogies, interve