The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) presents Word. Sound. Power. 2024: SOUND—Rhythm is Rhythm, the annual hip-hop and spoken word showcase, at BAM Fisher on April 19 and 20 at 7:30 pm.
This year it will feature artists including Hetep BarBoy, Kumbaya, and JSWISS. Director, co-curator, MC Baba Israel will host the performance alongside DJ Reborn, according to a news release.
SOUND—Rhythm is Rhythm draws inspiration from the rich legacy of the Last Poets and the vibrant tradition of the hip-hop cipher. The Last Poets emerged in the late 1960s with powerful spoken-word performances that gave Black America a voice amidst social and political upheaval. Their influence continues to resonate in the rhythms and messages of contemporary artists.
“Hip-hop embodies an ongoing dialogue between the beat and the community. Sometimes, it's the rhyme that answers back, while other times, it's the body that continues the discussion,” said Mikal Amin Lee, co-curator and BAM Education Manager. “This year, we aim to spotlight the dynamic conversation between beats and rhymes, in the spirit of The Last Poets, the block, and the Cipher. Whether expressed through the ones or the mic, the essence remains the same: rhythm is rhythm.”
The lineup boasts an array of talent, including Hetep BarBoy with Squala Orphan, a prodigal nine-year-old emcee and a testament to the generational passage of hip-hop's torch; Kumbaya, a lyricist who weaves tales of resilience; and JSWISS, an emcee whose work at the intersection of hip-hop, jazz, and soul. These artists, along with student poets from Brooklyn public schools, will bring to life stories of agency, creativity, and cultural celebration.
The 70-minute showcase will be followed by a 20-minute Q&A with the artists, providing insight into their creative processes and the impact of hip-hop culture across generations.
Tickets start at $25.
