Hip Hop luminary, KRS-One, is extending a global invitation to honor a half-century of Hip Hop, serving as host and performer for the live-streamed jubilee at 1520 Sedgwick’s Community Center in Bronx, New York – the birthplace of Hip Hop.
The Community Center at 1520 Sedgwick holds an esteemed place in Hip Hop’s genesis, shaping and launching pioneers of the genre like Kool DJ Herc, Grand Wizard Theodore, and Grandmaster Caz, among others.
Live stream and participate in Hip Hop’s 50th celebration
The momentous celebration is slated for Friday, August 11th, at 7 pm. Accessible to all, the event will be streamed globally, free of charge, in an effort to include everyone in the historical occasion.
It promises a diverse array of performances from artistes who have pushed the boundaries and evolved the culture throughout the past five decades.
Participants can anticipate a showcase of talent spanning dancers, painters, DJ’s, poets, and rappers.
KRS-One, while speaking on the event, said, “Hip Hop began in the community room at 1520 Sedgwick. The bond is not only to each other but to build a common appreciation for a positive message about life. A celebration of man’s creativity and appreciation of that communal spirituality is omnipresent, especially in the Community Center at 1520 Sedgwick.”
He added, “No genre has had such a constant flow of new emerging artists bringing new elements of that spirit to light over the past 50 years. That is not a coincidence, it’s a powerful message, it can’t be stopped.”
Remarking on the origins of Hip Hop, Mayor Eric Adams said, “On August 11th, 1973, at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, a back to school “jam” hosted by brother and sister Clive and Cindy Campbell spilled outside to the street.”
He added that on that night, history pivoted, giving birth to an international sensation, while commending KRS-One for hosting a free celebration honoring Hip Hop at its genesis.
More on KRS-One
KRS-One moves into the Birthplace of Hip Hop to prepare for 50th Anniversary
Hip Hop’s unstoppable journey over 50 years
In 1973, the reach of Hip Hop was confined to a relatively small section of the Bronx. Today, its message and themes have global resonance, connecting hundreds of millions worldwide.
The upcoming celebration will underscore the genre’s growth, offering an anniversary commemoration befitting Hip Hop’s immense spirit, stronger and larger than ever.
Elder Kurtis Blow Walker said “On this momentous 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, let us remember that beyond beats and rhymes, this cultural phenomenon is the heartbeat of a generation. It’s a living testament to the power of expression, the resilience of communities, and the unbreakable bond that we share. Hip Hop is not just music; it’s the soul of a movement that will forever echo through time, reminding us to stay true to our roots and elevate our voices. Here’s to fifty years of Hip Hop – a testament to the power of culture and a testament to the culture of power.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also commented saying, “On the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop we remember that this cultural movement began in a recreation room at 1520 Sedgwick Ave in the Bronx.”
Schummer added that for over fifty years, Hip Hop’s music and culture have proliferated from community rooms and parks in New York City, bridging regional, religious, and socioeconomic divides to become a unifying global force of expression.
Schummer further shared that this is why he fought with KRS-One, DJ Kool Herc, Cindy Campbell, and many others to ensure that 1520 Sedgwick Ave was shielded from voracious real estate prospectors looking to erase its historical significance.
“ As Hip Hop turns 50, I celebrate alongside KRS-One as he returns to 1520 Sedgwick Ave to provide an accessible celebration for all,” Schummer added.
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