Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2015

The summer festival circuit has seen an explosion in rave events thanks to the rise of EDM, but the same can’t be said for hip hop. Rock the Bells has always been a big draw, but hasn’t been held since 2013, and while the name brand festivals often headline top-tier rappers, there aren’t many focused solely on hip-hop culture.

Fortunately, the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival has been serving the hip-hop community for 10 years. Brooklyn Bodega is hosting the event for the 11^th time this July 8–11, located at 50 Kent in Williamsburg.

DJ Rob Swift © Matt J Carbone | Flickr

While Rock The Bells and Hot 97’s Summer Jam are New York staples, the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival makes itself stand apart by focusing on progressive, lyrical hip hop that eschews the glitz of the mainstream. According to their website, the festival is dedicated to “highlight Hip-Hop’s legacy as an agent of artistic progression, community building and social change.” Artists like Torae and Steele of Smif-n-Wessun have admired the festival’s sense of community and openness, bringing together people of all walks of life for a passionate weekend of music.

This year’s artists will include turntablist legend Rob Swift, Queensbridge heroes Mobb Deep and the highly praised lyricist and actor Common, who is the main headliner this year. As always, there will be surprise guests as well. Learn more at bkhiphopfestival.com.

Rapper and Actor, Common © Chrisellisphotography | Dreamstime