On Aug. 3 and 4, the Queens Public Library (QPL) will be celebrating 50 years of hip hop with their “Hip Hop 50 Summit,” which will feature Darryl McDaniels of Run-DMC, as well as Lumidee and KRS-One. With panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibits, augmented reality experiences, open mic sessions, DJ sets, and performances, the event will be at the LaGuardia Performing Arts Center.
Additionally, the event will be hosted by QPL’s Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels, also known as “Uncle Ralph.” Alongside him will be co-host DJ G$Money. In like manner, the goal is to create a space for the discussion of hip hop, its legacy and its future with interactive workshops throughout the two-day event.
I am very excited about the Hip Hop 50 Summit. The conversation and agenda will cover all five decades of hip hop culture and its core elements – DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti art and knowledge. The summit will celebrate hip hop legacy, but more importantly, it will create a space to exchange ideas, while also becoming a lasting resource on the subject for the future.
QPL Hip Hop Coordinator Ralph McDaniels
Noteworthy Panels for Thursday, Aug. 3
“Hip Hop History, Science, Technology & Innovations” is from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., moderated by the young entrepreneur Aaliyah Duah. Rappers Phresher and Young B will work alongside data scientist and CEO of DataedX Group Dr. Brandeis Marshall to discuss aspects of the entertainment industry.
“The Business of Hip Hop, Careers and Activism,” is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and will feature rapper Darryl McDaniels, singer Lumidee, and media personality A.V. Perkins. Furthermore, they will be discussing the power of hip hop, from activism to making money.
“Paving the Way: Pioneers of Hip Hop” is from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.. Those in the panel include: KRS-One; Darryl McDaniels; MC Sha-Rock, one of the first female MCs in hip hop history; and DJ Hurricane, known for his work with the Beastie Boys.
“Switch the Style Up: Fashion in Hip Hop” is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with host, fashion historian and archivist Tianni Graham. Joining her will be the Shirt Kings, Black fashion designer Malik Dupri, PowHerful Apparel CEO Dave Huie and FIT Professor, as well as hip hop fashion expert Elena Romero.
Noteworthy Panels for Friday, Aug. 4
“The Message: Media, Technology and the Future” from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. will have moderation from the founder and executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum Rocky Bucano. VIBE Magazine Editor-in-Chief Datwon Thomas, YouTube Black Music & Culture Director Tuma Basa, Microsoft Senior Attorney Bruce Jackson, and DJ TedSmooth will all be talking about the intersection of hip hop and media.
“Fight the Power: Social Justice and Education” will close the summit, held from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m., and will include: Dr. Christopher Emdin, the founder of the #HipHopEd social movement; DJ and Co-Founder of Hip Hop Blvd NYC Al Pizarro; hip hop artist and criminal justice reform activist Mysonne Linen; and Lennox Yearwood Jr., President and CEO of the Hip Hop Caucus. Likewise they will discuss hip hop as a vehicle for social change.
While the event is free, tickets are limited and are required for entry. Moreover, more information and a full schedule for the panels is available here. As a plus, the event will also be available for streaming on QPL’s Instagram.
Comments are closed.