Culture

Hip-Hop Political Convention Set to 'Rap the Vote'

by Jarrett Martineau | July 1, 2008 at 03:30 pm

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Prior to the DNC and RNC gatherings in the United States at the end of this summer, a decidedly different group will gather to discuss politics, voter engagement strategies, and hip-hop culture.

The National Hip-Hop Political Convention will be held in Las Vegas from August 1-3, 2008 and promises to deliver an exciting mix of conferences, entertainment, workshops, and exhibitions "to address the issues and concerns affecting hip-hop culture and the hip-hop Generation"

I wish I was able to attend, it sounds like a fascinating series of events.

MCs and activists are preparing to Rap The Vote. In an election year where young voters are seen as key players, the hip-hop nation has been at the forefront of issue and voter organizing activities. This summer will see several historic gatherings bring together grassroots activists, non-profit youth organizations, voter engagement groups, and conscious artists in an effort to unify the hip-hop nation’s election voice.
To be held in Las Vegas August 1 - 3, the National Hip-Hop Political Convention opens with a pre-convention gathering July 28 – 31 titled “The State of Hip Hop” before its main kick-off event. The pre-convention event will include a film festival, concerts, art exhibits, academic symposium, and bboy/bgirl battles. Main convention activities will include conferences, entertainment, cross-cultural exchanges, workshops, film screenings, and exhibitions to address the issues and concerns affecting hip-hop culture and the hip-hop Generation.

Confirmed guests and speakers for NHHPC 2008 include Byron Hurt (Beyond Beats and Rhymes), Unspoken Heard’s Asheru, Hard Knock Radio’s Davey D, Rev. Lenox Yearwood, The Coup’s Boots Riley, Rosa Clemente, Camp Lo, Haiku D'Tat, author Jeff Chang, Gamblers Crew, Knucklehead Zoo, Popmaster Fabel, Rebel Diaz, The Welfare Poets, Supernatural, and more to be announced.