What you should know
The hip hop genre celebrates this Friday, August 11, the 50th anniversary of its official birth in New York City, specifically in New York City. To celebrate this historic anniversary, both the state of New York and the Big Apple hold different events celebrating this genre that became a global movement and has its roots at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in The Bronx on August 11, 1973. Below is a curated selection of festivities to be celebrated in connection with hip hop throughout New York City and in the State.
NEW YORK — The hip hop genre celebrates this Friday, August 11, the 50th anniversary of its official birth in New York City, specifically in New York City.
To celebrate this historic anniversary, both the state of New York and the Big Apple hold different events that celebrate this genre that became a global movement and has its roots at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx on August 11, 1973.
As part of the celebration, the city company in charge of tourism launched a section on its website dedicated to hip hop
“New York City is the official birthplace as well as the center of hip-hop culture, from the music to its global influence in art, fashion, dance, language and much more,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “Hip hop has made a lasting impact on the culture of New York City that has spread and can be experienced in all five boroughs.”
He interactive map of NYC Tourism + Conventions serves as a guide for New Yorkers, Hispanics, and visitors to plan hip hop exploration at any venue in the five boroughs.
For her part, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the initiative I LOVE NY Summer of Hip Hop, a statewide commemoration of the genre’s 50th anniversary. Organized in association with renowned cultural organizations including the Lincoln Center and The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, I LOVE NY Summer of Hip Hop will feature a series of concerts, exhibits, performances, and other family-friendly programming throughout the state.
“The birth of hip-hop in New York sparked a musical revolution that rippled around the world,” said Governor Hochul. “Fifty years later, the hip hop genre is an essential part of the cultural fabric of New York as it continues to tell the story of our great state. I’m excited to celebrate that legacy with our series. Summer of Hip Hop and I urge New Yorkers and visitors alike to visit one of our events, enter our raffle for tickets, and learn more about the rich history of hip-hop in New York State.”
Below is a selection of hip hop festivities and events taking place throughout New York City and across the state:
Events in New York City
50 Years of Hip-Hop at the New York Public Library and Book of HOV | Until summer 2023 | In the whole city.
The New York Public Library is hosting free themed events about hip hop and surprises like art classes, movie nights, beat making and more at libraries across the city. The Brooklyn Public Library recently released Book of HOV, a retrospective of the life and work of Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter to date, throughout the summer.
Sky’s the Limit in Kings County | Until October 31 | Dumbo, Brooklyn
Near the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge stands the Sherwin Banfield sculpture dedicated to Brooklyn-born hip hop titan Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G. The 9-foot-tall monument celebrates the life, art and legacy of the absent rapper and was erected in 2022 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Biggie’s departure. The structure features a crowned bust of Wallace, modeled on a famous photo shoot before his death; panels highlighting his achievements; and plays songs by the rapper.
The public festival of photography Photoville will exhibit Hip Hop at 50, by Janette Beckman, in the windows at the corner of Fulton and Front Street. Known for her work with the New York hip hop scene in the 1980s, Beckman is an influential documentarian on urban culture who has photographed rap pioneers such as Run-DMC, Slick Rick, Salt-N-Pepa, Grandmaster Flash and LL Cool J.
Tickets are on sale now for this digital installation that will transport audiences through an illumination of hip hop history, including different eras and regions. Co-produced by global entertainment company Mass Appeal and hybrid creative studio SUPERBIEN, the exhibition will bring 50 years of hip hop to life.
ITSALLBLACKMUSIC PRESENTS, in partnership with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, will host a series of free celebrations in Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx, featuring renowned DJs and influential artists, along with street art installations, vendors food, interactive experiences and edutainment talks.
Summer for the City del Lincoln Center will honor hip hop’s golden anniversary with live performances, outdoor dance parties and silent clubs featuring top DJs past and present, a trap choir experience and family engagement events.
Tickets are now available for this historic event featuring hip hop legends and pioneers like Run-DMC, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Eve, Lil’ Kim, Remy Ma, Trina, TI, Fat Joe, Common, A$ AP Ferg, The SugarHill Gang and much more.
In addition, Governor Hochul announced the launch of a raffle for tickets I LOVE NY Summer of Hip Hop for Hip Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium. New Yorkers can enter the drawing for a chance to see headliners like Run DMC, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Ice Cube, Lil Kim, Wiz Khalifa, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Fat Joe and Kid Capri perform live at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, the birthplace of hip hop. Learn more about how to enter for your chance to win a VIP experience for two here.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! will feature a weekend of performances by Digable Planets and Kari Faux, plus Film Night: Brown Sugar.
For more hip-hop events in the five boroughs of New York, visit the website nycgov.com/hiphop.
Events in New York State
Great New York State Fair (Downtown New York)
Adding to the star-studded lineup of the Chevrolet Music Series featuring performances by Ludacris, Salt-N-Pepa, Doechii and Yung Gravy, Governor Hochul announced that hip hop pioneer and 2023 GRAMMY’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Slick Rick , will perform on the Suburban Park Stage at the Great New York State Fair at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 26. Additionally, the highly anticipated 180-ton sand sculpture located in the Center of Progress building will present a large-scale tribute to 50 years of hip hop in New York State. The Fair begins on Wednesday, August 23 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Admission tickets, which are expected to go on sale soon at NYSFair.ny.govThey will cost $6 for adults and are free for those under 12 and over 65.
Strong National Museum of Play (Finger Lakes)
In Rochester, New York State partners with the Museo Strong to present Re-Play: 50 Years of Hip Hop Fun. The yearlong exhibit opening in August will explore the broad cultural influences of hip hop and its emergence as a creative outlet and a source of joy, fun and play amid a period of cultural unrest in New York City. . Visitors will be able to connect with the history of hip hop through artifacts such as the dual Technic turntables that DJs used to spin the genre’s early beats in the 1970s, Mickey Mouse dolls, and DJ Barbie Mini Boomboxes that brought the influence of hip hop to the mainstream and into homes across the United States.
2023-08-10 14:28:19
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