Hip Hop has become one of the biggest commodities in the world in the past 50 years. August 11 marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary year, and Hip Hop will have a full year to celebrate. Here are a few of the amazing events happening worldwide.
HIP HOP 50 LIVE [August 11]
This is the biggest party on August 11, which happens to be at Yankee Stadium, very close to where Hip Hop started in the Bronx. Run DMC is top-billed, but there are superstars like Lil Wayne, Snoop, Ice Cube, along with a Ladies of Hip Hop set featuring Lil Kim, Eve, Remy Ma, and Trina. The OGs get some shine as well with Grandmaster Caz, DJ Kool Herc, Kurtis Blow, Melle Mel, and more will make this a night to remember.
ROCK THE BELLS FESTIVAL [August 5]
LL Cool J has been at the forefront of Hip Hop for a lot of that 50 years. He’s going on tour this summer and he’s bringing The Roots, Jazzy Jeff, DJ Z-Trip, and special guests with him at every stop. The tour starts at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on August 5 with an insane lineup of Run DMC, Queen Latifah, Ludacris, Method Man & Redman, as well as a Native Tongues reunion with De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Black Sheep, and more.
DBS JAMS PRESENTS HIPHOPIS50 [August 11]
Doobiest has been throwing parties in Taiwan for half of those 50 years, so they are some of the OGs of the scene. They will be having a HipHopIs50 celebration on August 11 at Rock Music Live House in Kaohsiung with DJs, MCs, and dancers.
HIP HOP AT 50 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN [September 15]
You can’t have a 50th-anniversary celebration unless you have the Wu-Tang Clan, right? The 9 MCs from NYC headline Hot 97’s party with Mary J. Blige, EPMD, Funk Flex, and friends.
MASTERS OF THE MIC HIP HOP IS 50 TOUR
Masters of the Mic is keeping it straight up Old School as they have KRS-One, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Rakim, and EPMD on their Hip Hop is 50 Tour. Each city will have special guests like Big Daddy Kane, Fat Joe, 2 Chainz, and more. The party started at the Essence Fest in New Orleans last month and continues with five dates remaining until October 14 in Delaware, North Carolina, Virginia, and Texas.
HIP HOP’S 50TH BIRTHDAY JAM
The Universal Hip Hop Museum was aiming to be done by the 50th anniversary, but construction always runs over and good things come to those who wait. Instead of a grand opening, the UHHM will be holding Hip Hop’s 50th Birthday Jam with Chuck D, Freedom Williams, Chill Rob G, and Sweet Tee at the site where the museum will be.
