A genre that was born in the Bronx nearly 50 years ago has grown into a cultural and worldwide phenomenon. Back in 2017, hip hop and R&B collectively surpassed rock music as the most popular music genres in the United States and has dominated streaming platforms ever since.
In celebration of the artists and sounds that have contributed to the success of hip hop, Vivid Seats is excited to announce our new partnership with MusiCares’ Humans of Hip Hop.
This important initiative is directed at providing resources tailored to the specific needs of the hip hop community nationwide with an initial focus in eight key cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles/Compton, New York, Oakland, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Vivid Seats and MusiCares, a charitable affiliate of the Recording Academy, believes in the power of live events and supporting those working behind the music. That’s why Vivid Seats has committed $1.5 million to MusiCares’ Humans of Hip Hop.
Between August 2021 and July 2022, one-fifth of all MusiCares clients identified as Black music professionals. Humans of Hip Hop will engage in listening sessions with community leaders to understand the unique needs of the hip hop and Black music community in the eight cities. Whether it’s financial assistance, mental health care or a different resource, support will be co-created to meet the evolving needs of the community nationwide.
How can you celebrate and support the 50th anniversary of hip hop and Humans of Hip Hop?
Whether it’s supporting artists who have been stars for years or those rising through the charts, there are countless opportunities to honor the talented artists behind the genre this year.
Run-D.M.C., Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne and Ice Cube are all set to headline Hip Hop 50 Live on Aug. 11, a star-studded concert featuring a who’s who lineup of performers to commemorate the genre’s 50th birthday in the borough where it all started.
The celebrations don’t stop there. Fifty years of hip hop is being observed all year long with a jam-packed schedule of arena tours. LL Cool J is embarking on what he’s calling his F.O.R.C.E tour. The Wu-Tang Clan and Nas are heading out on another N.Y. State of Mind tour after their 2022 run left fans wanting more. Lil Baby and GloRilla are teaming up for a lengthy run of arena shows across the country.
There’s no better time to be a fan of hip hop. Explore the interactive map below to find where you can catch some of the most iconic hip hop stars live in concert this year:
Since partnering with MusiCares in 2020, Vivid Seats has proudly sponsored COVID-19 and natural disaster relief efforts to help affected music industry professionals. To learn more about how you can get involved in Humans of Hip Hop in your city, follow MusiCares on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or reach out to laura.crawford@musicares.org.