New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announces free hip hop concerts

Concerts to air exclusively on Twitch channel Behind The Rhyme

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Universal Hip Hop Museum (UHHM) Executive Director and President Rocky Bucano have announced with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie the dynamic lineup of hip hop, Latin freestyle, dance, freestyle, techno, and funk artists set to perform at the “It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC” concerts to be held at outdoor venues in The Bronx, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens.

As a celebration of New York City’s comeback during NYC Homecoming Week, between August 14th to 22nd, all tickets for “It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC” concerts — produced by New York City, the Universal Hip Hop Museum, and IDEKO — will be available for free.

“You don’t want to miss the local, legendary talent performing throughout NYC Homecoming Week,” states Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we celebrate this Summer of New York City, we’re proud to partner with Rocky Bucano and the Universal Hip Hop Museum to bring these momentous concerts to our boroughs, free of charge. And if you get a ticket, you can go as long you have proof of your first dose of an approved COVID vaccine.”

“Hip Hop comes home to celebrate NYC Homecoming Week!” shares Rocky Bucano, Executive Director and President of the Universal Hip Hop Museum. “Many of the artists performing in these shows are native New Yorkers hailing from the five boroughs. It’s their talent, creativity, and passion for the culture that spread it from the stoops, parks, and playgrounds to stages worldwide. The Universal Hip Hop Museum is proud to welcome them home, back to where it all began.”

“I’m excited to see this marquee event for NYC’s homecoming kick off in The Bronx. The Birthplace of Hip Hop will set the tone for the upcoming “It’s Time for Hip Hop NYC” concerts around New York City. This will be a show you do not want to miss,” adds Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Ralph McDaniels hosts with appearances by KRS One, Slick Rick, Remy Ma, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Big Daddy Kane, Desiigner, C&C Music Factory, George Clinton + The P-Funk All-Stars with Special Guests, Too $hort, and more.

All attendees must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter the “It’s Time for Hip Hop in NYC” concerts. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for persons unable to get vaccinated because of a disability.

Free tickets for all four concerts will be released to the public in batches at nyc.gov/HomecomingWeek starting on Monday, August 2nd at 10 am EDT with additional tickets released throughout the week.

The shows will be streamed on Behind The Rhyme, a channel on Twitch devoted to hip hop and its culture. The broadcast, produced by Fortress Entertainment and Fuzzy Bunny Films, will feature live performances as well as backstage content and interviews hosted by veteran journalist Shaheem Reid.

NYC Homecoming Week will culminate with the all-star WE LOVE NYC: The Homecoming Concert produced by New York City, Clive Davis, and Live Nation on Saturday, August 21st at 5 pm EDT on the Great Lawn in Central Park. Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Jennifer Hudson, Santana, Rob Thomas, Journey and others will perform.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com