Kid ‘n Play and Jungle Brothers will headline a star-studded class of Hip-Hop legends being honored at the National Hip-Hop Museum’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on August 23 at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington D.C. Joining them are fellow pioneers DJ Red Alert, Dana Dane, Kwamé Sweet, Tee and DJ Hollywood.
The induction isn’t just a one-night celebration like past events. For the first time ever, the Museum is launching a full week of interactive and all-ages events from August 18 to 22. The programming is in collaboration with the Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District and the Woolly Mammoth Theatre.
The free series—dubbed “Hip-Hop Happy Hours”—will include rare artifacts, DJ battles, graffiti competitions, breakdancing showcases and daily cash prizes.
“Bringing a week-long activation interactive exhibit and The National Hip-Hop Honors to the Historic Woolly Mammoth Theatre is an amazing partnership that we’re excited about” NHHM founder Jeremy Beaver said. “We’re grateful to the Downtown D.C. BID for helping to bring some of the biggest Hip-Hop icons to the nation’s capital to be honored and perform.”
Artifacts from Hip-Hop’s Golden Era will be on display during the “Happy Hours” each evening. Highlights include original Gold and Platinum plaques worn stage outfits vintage posters and KRS-ONE’s “Hip-Hop Declaration of Peace.”
Master Gee, known as a member of The Sugarhill Gang, told AllHipHop, “This will be one of our most memorable induction ceremonies as we honor Kid ‘n Play on the 35th Anniversary of their movie House Party. Their cultural impact on American music cannot be overstated when it comes to music, movies, dance and cartoons.”
Here’s a breakdown of the themed week:
- Aug. 18 – MC Monday: Freestyle open mic with $250 prize
- Aug. 19 – Turntable Tuesday: DJ mix-off with $250 prize
- Aug. 20 – Wild Style Wednesday: Graffiti art battle with $250 prize
- Aug. 21 – B-Boy & B-Girl Thursday: Breakdancing forum with DJ B Blast and $250 prize
- Aug. 22 – Grown Folks Friday: 18+ dance party with DJ B Blast and pop-up Hip-Hop shop
The venue will transform into a Hip-Hop hub from noon to 10 p.m. ET, kicking off with The Beat Konductaz Beat Battle hosted by Rapper Big Pooh and Apollo Brown. Simultaneously, NHHM’s DJ DVS will sculpt a cake into a custom Hip-Hop dessert while resident artist Kevin “Scene” Lewis paints live tribute pieces for each inductee.
READ ALSO: Little Brother Announces Curtain Call Tour Will Be Their Last
At 4 p.m. ET, the red carpet will open for press and VIPs followed by a podcast featuring the inductees hosted by Grandmaster Caz. A formal reading of the Mayor’s Proclamation by D.C. BID President Gerren Price and a spiritual blessing by Dr. Ansel “Preach” Augustine will precede the 7 p.m. ET induction ceremony.
Hosted by Master Gee of The Sugarhill Gang the event will feature speeches by DJ RBI and Jay Quan and fashion presentations from NHHM Fashion Director Neil Taylor with handcrafted medallions by Bucky Davis.
The night concludes with a concert featuring performances by Dana Dane, Kwamé, Jungle Brothers with DJ Red Alert and a headline set by Kid ‘n Play.
Tickets and more details can be found at nationalhiphopmuseum.org.
