NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
When the early pioneers of this thing we know and love called hip-hop started out I wonder if they ever thought it would result in a house party at one of the most famous backyards in the world. It was an event those who attended won’t soon forget. Put together by Vice President Kamala Harris, Black Music Collective , and Live Nation Urban plus a pretty DOPE guest list of hip-hop stars new and old with the likes of Wale, Doug E. Fresh, Lil Wayne, and Too Short to name a few. The purpose was to showcase the five pillars of hip-hop which are MC’ing, DJ, Breakdance, Grafifti, and Beatboxing. Each one was given some history and shine as well as an explanation as to why it’s important to the culture. A perfect history lesson for old-school fans as well as those still working their way through hip-hop history.
Fifty years isn’t that long ago and to think this would be the type of event being hosted at the residence of a United States Vice President! It wasn’t that long ago that rappers were boycotting the Grammy’s and also being talked bad about by the government for its content being bad for America’s youth. Of course, times have changed with hip-hop being the main cash cow for the music industry and trendsetters for all things fashion and culture. If you don’t believe me check the streaming artists and walk into a local high school. The event serves as another example of how far-reaching the culture is and how it has touched so many lives and opened up opportunities for others to build and shine. From people building music labels, and fashion companies, and showcasing the arts.
The Black Music Collective’s mission is to showcase and amplify Black music the people behind the scenes and the artists themselves. Legends like Jimmy Jam, Quincy Jones, and John Legend are a few of the people who serve as honorary chairs and are led by chairman Rico Love. It has been an amazing year of recognizing and celebrating hip hop music and culture and this can be added to the list of terrific events.
Vice President Kamala Harris:
“Hip-hop reflects the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the American people. It is an ethos of ambition and aspiration. Hip-hop shapes nearly every aspect of America’s culture.”
Ryan Butler, Recording Academy Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Black Music Collective Staff Advisor:
“This event perfectly embodied everything that we at the Black Music Collective are about, and it’s been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside other industry leaders to curate this historic celebration. We chose to focus on the five key pillars of Hip-Hop: MC, DJ, Breakdance, Graffiti, and Beatbox, which allowed us to celebrate all the distinct elements of such a culturally significant movement.”
With only more events and unforgettable moments on deck, the 50th year of hip hop music party is far from over, and I for one can’t wait to see what’s next. If you want to get in on the celebration some upcoming events include A 30th Anniversary Celebration of The 36 Chambers at the Gramercy Theatre in New York, hosted by the RZA. With a super-packed lineup the OneMusicFest .
Keep it locked with Team NBS Media for more news and opinions on all things music and hip-hop 50.
