A Series Of Free Block Parties Are Hitting NYC’s Streets This August
With the 50th anniversary of hip-hop among us, NYC, the birthplace of the genre, is going all out–from murals and screenings to a free concert headlined by Wu-Tang Clan–but this celebration is also heading to the streets!
Mayor Eric Adams recently announced that “ITSALLBLACKMUSIC PRESENTS” will host the “5X5 Block Party Series,” a series of free block parties and events that will take place across NYC to celebrate the 50-year legacy of hip-hop this August.
“The growth of hip hop into a worldwide cultural phenomenon is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and passion of NYC,” said Mayor Adams. “From the Boogie Down Bronx, to Wu Tang in Staten Island, to the pioneers in Queens, to the storytellers in Brooklyn and the clubs in Manhattan, hip hop has told the story of New York City and our people. These block party concerts will celebrate 50 years of hip hop.”
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In collaboration with hip-hop icon KRS-One, the block parties will feature renowned DJs and seminal artists alongside street art installations, food vendors, interactive experiences, educational-entertainment talks, and more.
Plus, Pixis Drones will create and perform a free drone light show at each of the parties, honoring iconic hip-hop imagery.
The free block parties will take place as follows:
- Saturday, August 5: Fulton Street & Washington Avenue (Brooklyn), 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Sunday, August 6: Vernon Boulevard & 41st Avenue (Queens), 3 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, August 12: 1520 Sedgwick Avenue (Bronx), 1 p.m. – 9:30 p.m
Lineups and other activations will be announced online soon.
To ensure the block parties are not only a celebration of the past but also a powerful inspiration for the future, LISA Project NYC will also create 50 murals across all five boroughs to pay homage to hip-hop’s rich history and community impact.
“From block parties to citywide murals, we’re lighting up 50 years of hip hop’s legacy,” said KRS-One. “As we celebrate the art form that uplifts communities and empowers voices worldwide, let’s curate a symphony of creativity, innovation, and passion, making history with every beat.
“Together, we honor the past and inspire the future, proving that hip hop is not just a genre but a cultural movement that speaks to the heart of humanity,” added KRS-One.
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