Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty
The Big Apple is about celebrate our culture in a big way this season. Mayor Bill de Blasio and Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) have announced a free Rap concert series for New York City.
As a celebration of New York City’s comeback during NYC Homecoming Week, between August 14th to 22nd, all tickets for “It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC” concerts—produced by New York City, the Universal Hip Hop Museum, and IDEKO—will be available for free. “You don’t want to miss the local, legendary talent performing throughout NYC Homecoming Week,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we celebrate this Summer of New York City, we’re proud to partner with Rocky Bucano and the Universal Hip Hop Museum to bring these momentous concerts to our boroughs, free of charge. And if you get a ticket, you can go as long you have proof of your first dose of an approved COVID vaccine.”
“Hip Hop comes home to celebrate NYC Homecoming Week!” said Rocky Bucano, Executive Director and President of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. “Many of the artists performing in these shows are native New Yorkers hailing from the five boroughs. It’s their talent, creativity, and passion for the culture that spread it from the stoops, parks, and playgrounds to stages worldwide. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is proud to welcome them home, back to where it all began.” “I’m excited to see this marquee event for NYC’s homecoming kick off in The Bronx. The Birthplace of Hip Hop will set the tone for the upcoming “It’s Time for Hip Hop NYC” concerts around New York City. This will be a show you do not want to miss,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. The talent will also be a mix of some of culture’s best talent from past and present.
Some of the MC’s slated to perform include KRS One, Raekwon, Slick Rick, Nice & Smooth, Ultra Magnetic MC’s, Remy Ma, T La Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Papoose, EPMD, CL Smooth and many more. Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box fame will be holding down hosting duties.
All attendees must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the “It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC” concerts. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for persons unable to get vaccinated because of a disability.
Free tickets for all four concerts will be released to the public in batches at nyc.gov/HomecomingWeek starting on Monday, August 2 at 10 a.m. EDT. Additional free ticket release dates and times are as follows:
-
Tuesday, August 3 at 7 a.m. EDT
-
Wednesday, August 4 at 9 p.m. EDT
-
Thursday, August 5 at 7 a.m. EDT
-
Friday, August 6 at 10 a.m. EDT
-
Saturday, August 7 at 9 p.m. EDT
Peep the full list of performers below.
First Stop: Orchard Beach in The Bronx on Monday, August 16th from 3:00 to 9:30 p.m.
-
KRS One (Headliner)
-
Slick Rick (Headliner)
-
Remy Ma (Headliner)
-
Busy Bee
-
CL Smooth
-
DJ Hollywood
-
DJ Jazzy Joyce
-
DJ Kevie Kev
-
Fantastic Five
-
Furious 5 featuring Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio
-
Grand Wizard Theodore
-
Joeski Love
-
Kid Capri
-
Nice & Smooth
-
PopMaster Fabel
-
Soul Sonic Force
-
T La Rock
-
Ultra Magnetic MC’s
Second Stop: Richmond County Bank Park on Staten Island on Tuesday, August 17th from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m.
-
Raekwon (Headliner)
-
Ghostface Killah (Headliner)
-
Crystal Waters
-
DJ Chuck Chillout
-
EMPD
-
Force MDs
-
Hakim Green
-
HeeSun Lee
-
Kool Keith
-
Lizzy Ashliegh
-
Pharoahe Monch
-
Rikki
-
Rob Base
Third Stop: Brooklyn Army Terminal in Brooklyn on Thursday, August 19th from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m.
-
Big Daddy Kane (Headliner)
-
Desiigner (Headliner)
-
C&C Music Factory
-
DJ Mr. Cee
-
Elle Varner
-
Judy Torres
-
Lizzy Ashliegh
-
Maino
-
Obasi Jackson
-
Papoose
-
PopMaster Fabel
-
Special Ed
-
Stetsasonic
-
Sweet Sensation
-
Young Devyn
Fourth Stop: Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on Friday, August 20th from 4:00 to 9:30 p.m.
-
George Clinton + The P-Funk All-Stars with Special Guests (Headliner)
-
Too $hort (Headliner)
-
DJ Hurricane
-
DJ Wiz
-
EPMD
-
Mobb Deep
-
Yo-Yo