Hip-Hop Against Hunger: A Week of Cultural and Social Awareness

Headed by Drop Knowledge, this week-long festival explores and celebrates the true elements of hip-hop culture. We will engage the student body in positive forms of self-expression and discussion of social issues through hip-hop as well as enrich the relationships established among already existing student organizations. This week is also a part of an effort to reestablish the Wash U Hip Hop Congress Chapter on campus.

Proceeds raised throughout the week will be benefiting Operation Food Search, a local STL food bank & charity. Donation bins and tabling will be located in the Village Dining Hall, DUC commons, and South 40 eateries, as well as at our events. Official T-shirts will also be for sale ($10/shirt, can use campus card) throughout the week at the DUC Commons.

OFFICIAL BLOG: http://wuhiphopweek.wordpress.com

Monday, Nov. 9 -

ELEVEN Mixtape Exchange (Whisper’s Cafe, DUC Commons, 1-4pm): Blank CDs will be given out on Monday, Nov. 9th; students will then take them back and burn a mixtape of their favorite tracks and return it to the exchange locations on Tuesday, Nov. 10th.

Inklings hosted by WuSlam (Ursa’s Fireside, 8:30-11 PM): A special hip hop week edition of WuSlam’s weekly open mic night; members from Wash U’s premier slam poetry group will perform and lead peers in prompts regarding the theme of “hip hop against hunger.”

Tuesday, Nov. 10 -
Back 2 the Beat: Dance Workshops hosted by OneWorld (Ursa’s Fireside, 8-10 PM): The night will begin with a short showcase and workshop by Wash U’s premier bboy/bgirl club, WU Cypher and continue with a very special hip-hop, pop/lock workshop by Nicholas Gates, one of STL’s most talented hip-hop choreographers and the only STL contestant on the first season of “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Wednesday, Nov. 11 -
Expression Expo hosted by Drop Knowledge (DUC Commons, 7-10 PM): Featuring a graffiti exhibit, fashion show, and freestyle/beatbox battle. Music provided by Trackstar the DJ with a special scratch performance from 2 of STL’s best, DJ Deception http://www.djdeception.net and DJ Costik (http://www.myspace.com/djcostik)

Thursday, Nov. 12 -
Multicultural Concert ft. Idan Raichel Project, an international music group from Israel presented by WUSI as part of Pluralism Week (560 Music Building, 7:30PM). Opening acts include performances from many Wash U student groups including WuSlam, WU Swing Society, WU Sauce and much more. Admission is FREE with WU ID

Friday, Nov. 13 -
RAP SESSIONS (DUC Commons, 7-9 PM): A panel of the nation’s most distinguished hip-hop scholars, activists and commentators come to campus to discuss the question of “Is America really post-racial?” and more specifically, whether the n-word and post-racism can co-exist. Opening/closing Music provided by KWUR, JLS Audio Services and some of STL’s finest hip-hop DJs. http://www.rapsessions.org and http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167724396865#/event.php?eid=162141777841

Saturday, Nov. 14 -
CYPHER OF FORTUNE hosted by WU Cypher (The Gargoyle, 4-8 PM): A 2v2 bboy/bgirl competition among the best dancers from STL and the rest of the midwest. The theme of this jam is all about fun and positive expression; dancers of all styles and experience are encouraged to come and participate as the format is randomized tournament style. There is a $400 cash prize for first place and official “REP STL” T-shirts will be on sale at the event. Featuring music from DJ Needles and DJ Keeno da Kid.

HIP-HOP FESTIVAL hosted by Team 31 & The Gargoyle (The Gargoyle, 8PM-Midnight). Performance line-up includes hip-hop group The Paxtons, local STL group iLLphonics and internationally known DJ/producer RjD2. http://www.facebook.com/events.php?ref=sb#/event.php?eid=158884309431&index=1