KRS-One Commemorates Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary with Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc Initiative
KRS-One is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop by returning to its birthplace.
On Tuesday, April 25, the rapper and historian will launch Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc, a website and in-person series featuring multiple community-based programs, including a Hip-Hop masterclass curated and hosted by the Bronx native himself.
The events will take place at the Community Center at 1520 Sedgwick Ave, the exact location where Hip-Hop began. A press release states that the initiative will include popup exhibits highlighting Hip-Hop’s origins and how the younger generation expresses the culture today.
KRS-One, whose real name is Lawrence “Kris” Parker, emphasizes that the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop is a global movement showcasing the culture’s grit, voice, and power. He is excited to present the series at the Community Center, where it all started.
On Friday, April 28, at 12:01 a.m., the “Step Into a World” artist will launch a logo competition for the series to celebrate the 50th anniversary. The contest will close on May 31st at 11:59 p.m. The winning design should include elements of Hip-Hop that both honor the past and inspire future generations.
KRS-One encourages creatives, designers, and graffiti artists to participate in the global logo contest, stating that the chosen design will become the official logo for Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary.
This celebration leads up to August 11, 1973, when the world will pause to recognize the birth of one of the most influential global movements. The 1520 Sedgwick Avenue Community Center, where the first party started and this series will take place, is a historical landmark and considered “sacred ground” for Hip-Hop enthusiasts.
