Entering its 11th year, the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival is one of the longest running and largest Hip-Hop cultural events in New York City. Hosting artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Afrika Bambaataa, Q-Tip, De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Lupe Fiasco, KRS ONE, Busta Rhymes, and more, the annual event prides itself on bringing together the best of Hip-Hop’s past present and future. More than just music, the Festival celebrates all aspects of Hip-Hop culture including art, film, dance, business, fashion, community activism, technology and more. All that and more will be on display July 8-11th this year all around the beautiful borough of Brooklyn.
Highlights of the festival include:
Hip-Hop, Technology and Reforming and Re-investing in our community: In the wake of the #BlackLivesMatter protest our team (Brooklyn Bodega and The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival) created an initiative called the #ZeroCampaign. The goal for ‘Zero’ was specifically to bring the number of cases of gun violence, police brutality, and domestic/partner abuse in our community down to zero. The Zero Campaign is not only about community organizing and spreading the message but also about creating tangible solutions for these and other problems that plague our community. During this day-long conference participants will be confronting the issues affecting our communities and real deal solutions and how Hip-Hop can help. Wednesday, July 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at The Woman Center at Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Ave, Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
11th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Kick Off Party: Following the “Hip-Hop, Technology and Reforming and Re-investing in our community” conference at Medgar Evers College the festival heads over to Elberta Restaurant on Flatbush Avenue, one of a select group of restaurants in 2015 to receive a Bib Gourmand by Michelin. Break bread with Festival staff, fans, artists, and comrades from this year all the way back to 2005. Take a moment to give thanks and praise to our fellow brothers and sisters doing their best for the Hip-Hop community. Featuring DJ Parler, this event takes place on Wednesday, July 8, from 8 p.m. until midnight.
Dummy Clap Film Festival: Dummy Clap Film Festival returns this year with a special screening of the 1994 film “Fresh.” Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Giancarlo Esposito, N’Bushe Wright, and Sean Nelson, it is a jewel in the crown of the great Hip-Hop films of the 90’s. Following the screening of “Fresh” there will be a Master Class with Cloud 9 TV, the minds behind “Money & Violence.” Hosted by Vibe’s Editor & Chief Datwon Thomas. Thursday, July 9, 6-10 p.m. at the HOA Gallery, 408 Marcus Garvey Blvd., Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
Juice Hip-Hop Exhibition: Juice celebrates the legacy of hip hop by gathering young emerging dancers, deejays, mc’s, beat makers, sneakerheads, and visual/graffiti artists to convene under one roof and showcase each element simultaneously their talent through our exhibitions for one night, one show, one culture: Dance Off, Salute The DJ, Show & Prove performances, Beat Showcase, Sneaker Gallery, and Art Gallery. Featuring Chelsea Reject, TripSet, Lavan Wright, Rebecca Maria, Waffle NYC, DJ Midnite, and more. Friday, July 10, 8 p.m. at Littlefield, 622 Degraw St, Gowanus, Brooklyn.
The Big Show: Head over to the water at 50 Kent on Saturday, July 11, as the Festival welcomes the legendary rapper, actor, and philanthropist COMMON as the 2015 headliner, The crowd will be plenty warm by the time the Chi-Town emcee takes the stage, preceded by energetic sets from MOBB DEEP who is celebrating 20 years of the album “Infamous”, FREEWAY, SKYZOO, CHARLES HAMILTON, LION BABE, and more! And, in true festival fashion, there will be surprises on deck. Saturday, July 11. Doors open at 1 p.m. 50 Kent, 50 Kent Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Visit the Festival website for full details on all events and to purchase tickets.