Hip-Hop Hooray 

Drop it like it’s hot as Raleigh fetes the 50th anny of hip-hop.

“Ain’t nuttin’ but a G thang, baby.” This August, as we take to the streets to throw down some beats in some pumped-up kicks, Raleigh joins communities across the nation honoring the 50th anny of hip-hop. Traced back to a back-to-school party in a Bronx apartment rec room on Aug. 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc is credited by many for dropping the first beats from which hip-hop was born.

Serving up a solid yes to Missy Elliott’s “DJ, please pick up your phone, I’m on the request line… Is it worth it?”: Hip-hop has shaped our music culture—and our everyday culture—in ways beyond measure for the past five decades. Answering the call to “work it,” hip-hop doesn’t just drop the beat, but it unites us. Kicking off with a February Grammy celebration that brought back some of the genre’s greatest—from Run DMC and LL Cool J to Dr. Dre to Flavor Flav to Missy herself via a deep roster of some of the genre’s legends—the story of hip-hop is the story of modern America point-blank. 

To “explore Raleigh’s connection to the genre that has made a global cultural impact since 1973,” says City of Raleigh Assistant Director of Museums Megan Raby, you can fete the 50th by dancing in the streets—literally—Aug. 12. The cast of events, presented by the Friends of COR Museum in partnership with the City of Raleigh, will feat. a daylong street party, classic car show, live beats honoring local hip-hop pioneers, performances from big names like Terminator X and Toosii—plus the op to don your best kicks (see opposite page for inspo) and peep yourself on the Jumbotron as Raleigh rolls out the red carpet for the Sneaker Ball. cityofraleighmuseum.org

Turn Down For What 
Aug. 12

10am–noon: COR Museum showcases local scholar and industry expert lectures + roundtables on how hip-hop has shaped Raleigh culture.

Noon–4pm: Roll out for the Hip-Hop Car Show feat. classic cars.

Noon–4pm: Take to Fayetteville Street for a free fam-friendly Hip-Hop Family Village with a DJ House, DJ for Kids class (w/ DJ Monika Underhill), break dancers & performers, hip-hop karaoke (!), graffiti public art, and vendors—NTM hip-hop photos on the Jumbotron and a COR Museum roundtable discussion with early Triangle hip-hop pioneers.

6–7pm: Show up and show out for the Hip Hop Sneaker Ball Red Carpet Experience at Raleigh Union Station complete with jam-packed moments for music lovers with hot performances, standout outfits and historic hip-hop reunions.

6–10pm: La di da di, we like to party. Kick it at RUS for the Hip Hop Sneaker Ball with legendary DJs, performers, photo booth, VIP area (+ booth/bottle experience), a hip-hop archive display and more.

Just Kick It

It’s Sneaker SZN! Get pumped—and grab your pumped-up kicks—for the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop Sneaker Ball. … Sneakerheads, this summer’s for you.

• Jera Laceup Lub, Bianca Wash/Dust, $280, Rangoni Firenze
• Jordan 3 Retro UNC (2020), $525, Courtside
• Nike Dunk Low, Hyper Pink (women’s), $190, One of One
• Jordan 4 Retro Thunder (2023), $235, Southside Soles
• Golden Goose, Super-Star Perm-Noos low-top sneaker (women’s), $595, Nordstrom
• Nike Air Force 1 Low Retro, Yellow Jewel, $130, Social Status
• Off-white mid-top vulcanized canvas, teal, $300, SuperiorHeat
• Paradise Vans; custom shoes available, $225, Sircastleteees
• Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star lift platform utility strap (women’s), $85, DTLR
• JSlides Gesell, beige lace, $160, Main & Taylor