It all began in New York City half a century ago. Today, one of music’s most famous genres, hip-hop, turns 50. The city is celebrating this birthday with a plethora of events.
On the night of August 11, 1973, Cindy Campbell, a Bronx student, was looking for a DJ for her massive back-to-school house party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. She ended up asking her 18-year-old brother, Clive, then DJ Kool Herc, to play for her in order to cut costs. That night he made history by playing breakbeats–the funky part in electronic music where drums and dance music mix together–in a never ending loop on two turntables. Fifty years later, his style has been reshaped multiple times, launching new waves, new trends, new flows, new views, new genres.
To all the B-boys and B-girls in New York City, it is time to refresh some good old break-dance moves and get out on the floor! Here it is a complete lists of things to do to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
Visit:
- [R]Evolution of Hip Hop at Bronx Terminal Market (610 Exterior Street, Bronx) curated by The Universal Hip Hop Museum. It is an interactive journey back to the golden years of hip-hop, from 1986 to 1990. On view through the end of August.
- Hip-Hop Till Infinity at Hall des Lumières (49 Chambers Street, Manhattan), produced by Mass Appeal & SUPERBIEN. It is an immersive exhibition with virtual concerts, live panels and conversations, listening parties, artist meet & greets. On view through September 17
- Botanical Boombox: Brooklyn Branch, a solar-paneled tree sculpture by Sherwin Banfield’s at Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
Live Music:
- Hip-Hip 50 Live, a celebratory concert with Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and many more artists at Yankee Stadium on August 11
- Live Hip-Hop at Somewhere Nowhere (112 W 25th St., Manhattan) every Friday
Watch:
- Real Rap: Hip-Hop Start Power on Screen, movie nights organized by Austin Smith and Tiffany Joy Butler to highlight hip-hop artists who have appeared on the big screen, featuring action-packed blockbusters, thoughtful comedies, and independent dramas from the 1990s to the 2000s. At 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. On view through November 3rd
- F. Gary–Gray in Action at Metrograph (7 Ludlow St., Manhattan).On view through August 20
Eat:
- Genius IQ/BBQ at 52-19 Flushing Ave, Queens on August 19 from 12pm-10pm
Lincoln Center is dedicating a full weekend to hip-hop events:
Inside its “Summer for the City” program, Lincoln Center (Lincoln Center Plaza) has dedicated a whole week to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. It starts tonight with:
- “Bodega Culture” at Alice Tully Hall (1941 Broadway, Manhattan), a pop-up experience to connect with our roots
- “Jazz Está Morto” performed by Arthur Verocai accompanied by a full orchestra at Damrosch Park (Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St., Manhattan) at 7pm
- DJ Spinna and DJ Rashida at The Dance Floor starting at 10pm
For tomorrow, August 12, different workshops planned:
- “Every Body Move!”, a social dance class, at LeFrak Lobby, David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza), at 11am
- “The Art of the Cypher”, a social event for rap’s new generation, at Hess Grand Promenade, David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza), at 12pm
- Step It Up NYC winners perform their final dance routine at Hearst Plaza at 5pm
- “Sainted” at The Dance Floor at 6pm, to experience a trap choir mixing gospel, R&B, hip-hop and trap music
- “Rakim + Rapsody” at Damrosch Park (Amsterdam Ave &, W 62nd St., Manhattan) at 8pm
- Silent disco party with Mr. Life of Your Party at The Dance Floor at 10pm
