Art After Dark: Hip Hop Turns 50

It all started in the Bronx, 1973. Who knew "that hip-hop would take it this far?" On Friday, June 16, in honor of Black Music Month, we have an evening filled with tributes to one of Black culture's foundational structures, hip hop.

Although four hours could never do justice to the immeasurable impact of this nuanced cultural phenomenon, we'll offer concurrent programming that features dance, live music, analysis, conversation, hands-on art, and more.

Our premiere experiences include the "Gantt Center Hip Hop Awards," during which we provide awards to the most historic artists and concepts, such as "Best Rapper Alive" and "Most Iconic Moment". The winners will be selected by you, our community, via an online survey. We close out the night with a rooftop vibes music setlist that is old school vs. new school hip hop, our way of uplifting quintessential songs over the last 5 decades.

Come dressed in a way that creatively honors hip-hop fashion, whether your style is the bomber jackets of the 70s, the Adidas tracksuits of the 80s, or the throwback jerseys of the 2000s. We will crown a winner!

Ages 21+ are welcome to attend this free event. Your RSVP to Art After Dark provides access to all of the evening's experiences on a first come, first served basis until capacity is reached.

Event Schedule

6 pm - 10 pm
Sample Chronicles: A Celebration of Hip-Hop's Timeless Beats

Through "Sample Chronicles," we will embark on a sonic journey, delving into the artistry of sampling and its profound impact on hip-hop music. From the birth of hip-hop to the ingenious reimagining of familiar melodies, this program celebrates the art of sampling as a creative process that connects past and present, paying tribute to the rich tapestry of musical genres that have influenced it along the years.

6 pm - 7 pm
where the sun shines Artist Talk with Stephanie J. Woods

Featured solo artist Stephanie J. Woods guides guests through the intentionality and creative process behind our newest exhibition “where the sun shines,” followed by an audience talkback.

6:30 pm - 8 pm
Hip Hop in Motion with NC Dance District

This experience in designed to get you moving! A low-impact interactive dance workshop and performance that blends storytelling, instruction, and performance of hip hop dance. Led by Alex and Stormi of NC Dance District.

6:30 pm - 8 pm
When We Say For the Culture: Discussing Hip Hop's History and Impact

Moderated by the female lyricist Dynasty (@yagirldynasty), this collective conversation analyzes the core reasons hip hop is a cornerstone of Black culture.

7 pm - 8 pm
CLT Cypher

A part 2 of our 2021 cypher, lyricists come together to freely express in the classic circle of shared rap performance over live instrumental. Featuring Chocolate KNDY (@chocolateKNDY), Likkle Slave (@likkleslave), TuKool Tiff (@tukooltiff), and Ecco E. Cleezy (@eccoecleezy), with instrumentals from Likkle Slave.

7 pm - 9 pm
where the sun shines Drop-in art workshop

A hands-on art experience inspired by the premiering exhibition, led by artist Kim Turner (@elizabethinpearls).

8:30 pm - 9:30 pm
The Gantt Hip Hop Awards

We let the community decide what artists and moments will take the titles in varying categories of hip hop, from "Best Rapper Alive" to "Most Iconic Moment," and discuss if we collectively chose well. Hosted by poet and curator Sir Abstraxxx (@sirabstraxxx).

8:30 pm - 10 pm
Instrumentation of Hip Hop: Live Music

This live musical experience will reflect some of the most essential sounds in hip hop, exhibiting why rap lyrics are best complemented by beats. Curated band, setlist, and performance by Tim Scott (@t_scottjr).

8:30 pm - 10 pm
Old School vs. New School: Rooftop DJs

Two female DJs, DJ See Bird Go (@seebirdgo) and DJ Micki Blendz (@mickiblendz), play quintessential sounds of “Old School” and “New School” hip hop from varied sub-genres. Enjoy the curated sounds on the rooftop, or take in the Uptown view on the terrace.