Chicago Celebrates Hip-Hop

By Tamara Jenkins

Amina Norman-Hawkins, Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative

Peace, love and unity was the message of the day as prominent local hip-hop artists came together to perform at All Heads on Deck!.

The hour -long event, hosted by the Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, was held on July 24th  at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park as part of the annual celebration of Chicago Hip-Hop Heritage Month in July in the city and featured an array of artists representing the true essence of not just hip-hop but Chicago hip-hop.

Capital D, GQ The Teacher, Ang 13 and Deja K Taylor

Featured performers included: dance crews Footworkingz and the Stick n Move Dancers; female MC’s An13 and Deja K Taylor, trio Poetree Chicago and Mc’s Lid Law, GQ The Teacher, Griffen, Capital D (from the duo All Natural), Notrydo Sincere, FM Supreme, Jitu tha Jugganot and the group Primeridian.

Since successfully lobbying the city to declare July as Hip-Hop Heritage Month in 2003, The Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative has acted as an umbrella for various events including showcases, forums and discussions with the goal of preserving hip-hop’s historical and artistic legacy in Chicago.  

For more information on The Chicago Hip-Hop Initiative, please visit www.chihiphop.com

Photos by Tamara Jenkins