In August, we marked the 50th birthday of Hip-hop with a memorable celebration held at Mumbai's Soho House, spanning three extraordinary days from August 25th to the 27th. Each day was thoughtfully curated to offer an exploration of the genre's profound impact on global culture.
One of the standout features of our celebration was a meticulously curated record store pop-up, stacked with handpicked iconic vinyl. This immersive experience introduced newcomers to the rich world of vinyl culture. On the inaugural day, we embarked on a captivating journey through South Asian musical history with the "South Asia On Wax Listening Session."
This session, featuring "On the Jungle Floor" and "Digging In India," delved deep into the iconic South Indian samples that have left an indelible mark on Hip-hop.
Day two began with a creative "Sneak-Cut Workshop'' hosted by The Right Feel, where participants came together to craft their own paper sneakers, serving as both art and keepsake.
The day continued with an immersive film screening of "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," offering an intimate glimpse into the Hip-hop culture of the early 2000s. The evening transitioned seamlessly into a Neo-Soul and R&B showcase, featuring the talents of PhreshPrince, On the Jungle Floor, and Roycin, who treated the audience to timeless classics and contemporary hits.
Day three commenced with a Hip-hop dance workshop, led by the talented Srilakshmi, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the ocean at Soho House. Following the workshop, attendees ascended to listen to a lineup of five DJs spanning the decades, including Sodhi, Stain, Choksi, Nate08, Nik, and DJ Uri.
Their eclectic sets traversed the diverse sub-genres of Hip-hop, inviting everyone to groove on the dance floor. "Hip-hop 50" was a jubilant homage to everything this genre and its multifaceted cultures have bestowed upon us over the past five decades.
From its humble beginnings in the Bronx to its transformative journey into a global phenomenon, Hip-hop has been a beacon of creative exploration. Our celebration aimed to capture and commemorate this spirit of innovation and artistic expression.