Q TIP

Q-Tip Named First Artistic Director For Hip-Hop At The Kennedy Centre

Q-Tip has been named as the first artistic director for hip-hop culture at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.

“With hip-hop constantly changing and evolving, it is easy to forget the history and legacy that precede it…I want to begin at the beginning of the culture to help people see its roots, better understand its present, and responsibly create its future” stated Q-Tip.

Rolling Stone reports that the rapper will also work alongside New York based arts and theatre group Hi-Arts in directing a collection of programs that will take place at the centre until the end of 2017.

The appointment marks the first time hip-hop has been recognised with events at the centre.

“We are proud and excited to be incorporating hip-hop culture into our artistic and educational programs during the 2016–2017 season,” stated centre president Deborah F. Ruttler.

“The history of hip-hop and its development as an art form, and the complexity and importance of its impact on the arts landscape driving social and cultural awareness, has inspired us to have a more formal connection with our ongoing programming.” 

The 2016 program will begin with the Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival summit in July, with the rest of the season including a variety of educational and artistic programs.

View the full list of events on the centres website here.

IMAGE: Jezabel