Guests attend the 2022 hip-hop block party at the NMAAHC.

/ Courtesy of National Museum of African American History and Culture

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is celebrating half a century of hip-hop with an all-out block party this summer, the Smithsonian’s second annual event to celebrate the roots of the iconic genre.

The event will be ticketed — but, in keeping with other major Smithsonian events, those passes will be free. The NMAAHC will release a limited number of passes on its website at noon on Monday, July 31, the museum announced Wednesday.

The party will take place on Aug. 12 on the museum grounds and is intended to commemorate 50 years of hip-hop’s innovation and artistry, and a global-reaching genre that Black Americans created and shaped.

The full day of programming will include events like hip-hop trivia, photo booths, film screenings, rap and poetry performances, and panel discussions in the galleries. Tours will be available to view the Park Jam installation, which pays tribute to the ’70s-era parties in the Bronx that started it all.

A main stage, located at the intersection of Madison Drive and 14th Street NW, will showcase a lineup of hip-hop purists and innovators. Among the list: D.C.-based DJ Beauty and the Beatz; the True School DJs (a movement led by 9th Wonder); Adam Blackstone, a multi-instrumentalist who’s directed performances by stars like Jay-Z and Rihanna; Grammy-nominated singer MuMu Fresh; and British rapper Monie Love, among a growing list of performers.

DJ Vic Jagger, a D.C. native, is hosting the party and will bring out special guests, such as go-go legend Sugar Bear. The evening will close out with a dance party at 10 p.m. with a to-be-announced DJ.

Guests will also be able to enjoy workshops on double-Dutch, breakdance, and hip-hop choreography, along with an outdoor exhibit comprising hip-hop-related items from the Smithsonian collection. Additionally, the museum’s Sweet Home Café will serve a special menu and host performances by DJs from Def Jam Recordings.

This summer’s event is special for yet another reason: The museum currently has no plans to repeat it in 2024, though the NMAAHC says it is “exploring” other block party-like concepts to celebrate Black culture with its audience.

Filed Under: african american history museum, Arts and Culture, d.c., hip-hop block party, nmaahc, smithsonian,