Long Beach Public Library

Beginning Monday, August 28, 2023, the Alamitos, Harte, and Michelle Obama Neighborhood Libraries will offer an additional day of service on Mondays.

As of Monday, August 14, the Bay Shore Neighborhood Library will temporarily close for a scheduled renovation. All services at Bay Shore, including book drops, will be unavailable.

Home » Library » Hip Hop 50th

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop

9/6/2023 2:36:00 PM
Hip Hop 50th Anniversary

The Long Beach Public Library will recognize the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop culture with a series of celebratory events this September and October. The Hip Hop Celebration: 50th Anniversary Series commemorates the influential history of Hip Hop, both in Long Beach and worldwide, and showcases its four fundamental elements: breakdancing, DJing, MCing and art.

The program series will commence with a kickoff celebration event taking place from noon to 4 PM on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 at the Recreation Park (4900 E. 7th St.) bandshell, followed by a five-week workshop series for tweens and teens.

The kickoff event on Sept. 23 will be a celebration for all ages, featuring music, an engaging panel discussion with industry experts, special guest appearances, and ateen dance competition. Fill out the Teen Dance Competition Form to sign up!

Following this event, the Hip Hop Celebration will continue with a five-week workshop series tailor-made for tweens and teens. These workshops will provide participants with hands-on learning experiences and a chance to explore and hone their skills in the four elements of Hip Hop. Each workshop will feature local artists to teach their art form and provide an interactive experience for participants.

The Hip Hop Celebration: 50th Anniversary Series’ Hip Hop Elements Workshops for tweens and teens include:

  • DJing & Producing, Thursday, Sept. 28, 4 – 6 PM – Teens and tweens will learn the elements of DJing and producing through the production of sounds. Learn how to create fat synth basslines and soulful keys! Taking place at Los Altos Library (5614 E. Britton Dr.).
  • Street Art & Music, Tuesday, Oct. 3 & Oct 10, 4 – 6 PM – Teens and tweens will get hands-on and learn the basics of the bright, graphic image street art that is graffiti. Taking place at Harte Library (1595 W. Willow St.).
  • MCing & Music, Tuesday, Oct. 17, 4– 6 PM – Teens and tweens will learn the elements of DJing and MCing. Become a master lyricist through rhyme and rhythm! Taking place at Burnett Library (560 E. Hill St.).
  • Break Dancing & Music, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 4 – 5:30 PM –Teens and tweens will learn the elements of break dancing! Learn how to pop, lock and move to music from the golden era of 90’s Hip Hop. Taking place at Michelle Obama Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.).

The Long Beach Public Library, along with partners Native Sol and VIP Records, is proud to host this celebration and invites the community to come together and revel in the bold and beautiful expressions of Hip Hop culture.

For more information about this and other events, visit our event calendar or contact the Library at (562) 570-7500.