Hip-hop is more than what you would normally see on BET’s “106 & Park” or MTV Jams. The culture encompasses art, dance, deejaying and lyrics. The Gentleman Jack “Art, Beats + Lyrics” national tour seeks to shed light on the essence of hip-hop by emphasizing these components.
The tour, which highlights urban art forms and the original themes of hip-hop, has sold out venues across the nation.
Featured guests have included Kendrick Lamar, Joi, Pastor Troy, DJ Rich Medina, Alien Warr, Hustle, Ernie Paniccolli, Dubelyoo and DJ Lord of Public Enemy.
The tour will be kicking off its fourth year in Atlanta on July 29, 2011, at The Compound.
“The tour was founded by Jabari Graham in 2004,” Hustle Trotter said in a recent interview with rolling out magazine. “It kicked off at the High Museum of Arts, and Ahmad Ali helped to bring the Gentleman Jack [whiskey] brand in as a sponsor. That allowed us to do the tour and bring more exposure it. There are consumers all around the country who are into hip-hop and art. They appreciate the culture. The artists help people understand the bigger side of hip-hop. It’s not just about music.” –amir shaw
