Common and Ludacris Drop Knowledge at the Hip Hop 101 Music & Arts Festival
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The
MC. The DJ. The breakdancer. The graffiti artist. No matter how many
platinum albums (or platinum chains) your favorite rapper may possess,
it still comes back to those four basic elements of hip-hop. At the Hip
Hop 101 Music & Arts Festival, the components, the culture and the
soul of hip-hop were on full display. Creating a platform that embraces
hip-hop’s culture and unity through the expression of music, graffiti,
visual and performing arts, Hip Hop 101 took over the L.A. Sports Arena
for a night of riveting performances and a star-studded good time.
“I’m
not really trying to school, I’m just here to enjoy and be creative and
inspire people,” said Common. The event was especially uplifting thanks
to the current administration in Washington. “When you have a president
who knows who Jay-Z is and who knows who Common is and listens to Kanye
— it’s incredible.”
Hosted by Common and
fellow hip-hop star Ludacris, and with a show-stopping performance by
Janelle Monae, the evening was a unique celebration of hip-hop culture.
Fellow rap stars Xzibit and DJ Muggs were on hand, along with
singer-songwriter LeToya Luckett and sports personality John Salley.
“I
wanted to see what it was like,” said Salley. “And every time I hear my
man Luda and Common [are] supporting something, I show up.” –todd williams
