Hip Hop Congress at UCLA is one of 9 series in UCLA's Cultural Affairs Commission. Hip Hop Congress platforms artists of color and creates intentional spaces for students of color and marginalized communities to be seen, celebrated, and uplifted. We host programs throughout the year, including events during Hip Hop Appreciation Month, to honor the cultural roots of Hip Hop and build community through creativity and expression.Â
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These program groups include KickOff, Workshop, Film and Panel, Fashion Show and Explosion, along with additional events that are hosted throughout the school year. All of these events tie into our theme chosen for that year, and educate our campus community to show how specific aspects of hip-hop have remained a staple since the beginning of the movement.Â
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OUR WORK AND EVENTSÂ
HIP HOP CONGRESSÂ
HIP HOP CONGRESSÂ
WHO ARE WE?
Hip Hop Congress is a series within the Cultural Affairs Commission that provides programming in February for Black History Month and beyond that is both educational and entertaining. We are rooted in the principle of creating safe spaces for students and the local community to celebrate, uplift, and give back to Hip Hop as a vital facet of Black culture.Â
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Additionally, we wish to help resist Black erasure on campus and de-stigmatize what Blackness and Hip Hop mean to the broader community through entertaining events that serve and educate the campus community. Overall, we hope to create safe spaces for students of color to celebrate, learn, and appreciate more about Hip-Hop as a culture and not just a music genre.Â
For our Kickoff event we provide interactive performances, art activities and giveaways for students in order for people to know and learn about what we do in Hip-Hop Congress as well as learn about hip-hop culture.
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By bringing people who are true practitioners of the culture, students will be attracted to their passion and joy, causing them to engage and see what is going on. With this, we will be able to educate people about the origins of hip-hop and what it is based on as well as have a platform to market the rest of the month to a large range of people: those who already participate in the culture and those who are simply interested and curious in what we have to offer.
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Some of our past events have included dance battles, car shows, and craft stations, while having special guests anhost, such as Tommy the Clown and Storm DeBarge!Â
KICKOFF
WORKSHOPÂ
For our Workshops, we invite professionals to teach workshops on topics in our pillars of hip hop, including writing music, painting, and dancing.
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These workshops are designed to be accessible and inspiring to participants to get the chance to learn about different aspects of hip hop culture and artistic expression. All through guided instructions, conversations, and creative activities.Â
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Overall, our goal is to create a space where students can make connections and learn creative practices from professionals to form their own paths and strengthen their passion for the arts.Â
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FILM AND PANELÂ
With our Film and Panel, students have the opportunity to host their own film event, typically followed by a film screening.
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We invite UCLA film professors or outside professionals who work in the film industry to lead a discussion on career opportunities, social issues and storytelling.Â
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With these screening we encourage students to ask questions, make connections and think critically about the films and media they watch!Â
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FASHION SHOWÂ
Our fashion show features a showcase of local and larger brands as well as student models.
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All student-run, we introduce a large group of people on UCLA’s campus to the idea of Hip Hop culture and streetwear and just how important of a movement it is to hip-hop culture specifically, and Black culture overall.
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With this, our show is followed by live musical entertainment with artists like Kalan FrFr, Baby Osama, and D Smoke.Â
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EXPLOSION
Our biggest event, Explosion, is a student-led concert that features up-and-coming artists.
Highlighting the variety in hip hop music and showing the evolution in hip hop culture.Â
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We invite a mix of up-and-coming student openers, local regional talent, and major buzzing headliners, including past lineups that have included notable names like Dom Kennedy, Blu & Exile, Schoolboy Q, Molly Santana, and Karrahboo.Â
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Beyond the performance, Explosion is a celebration of all the hard work students put into HHC. This event brings students together, all centered around music and self expression. It takes a village to put this event together!Â
