50 Years of Hip-Hop

Let’s take a journey with Hip-Hop...from its Jamaican roots in the Bronx through Dallas and beyond. The Oak Cliff Cultural Center (OC3) is collaborating with the South Dallas Cultural Center, Dallas Public Library, Bath House Cultural Center, and Texas Theatre to celebrate 50 Years of Hip-Hop with free programming that is open to the public. Enjoy music, films, panel discussions, and dance performances during the month of August. Seating for all events is first-come, first-served.

August 3–4:
In the words of Cindy Campbell, “Reggae and Hip-Hop are cousins,” so the celebration starts at the South Dallas Cultural Center with the screenings of Babylon (1980) on Thursday, August 3 at 7:30pm and Rockers (1978) on Friday, August 4 at 7:30pm

August 5:
Go next to the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library who will host the presentation of The Harder They Come (1972) on Saturday, August 5 at 1pm, leading up to Jamaican Independence Day on August 6.

August 8–10:
The following week, head to the Bath House Cultural Center to kick off the Hip-Hop films with Wild Style (1982) on Tuesday, August 8 at 7:30pm.
Texas Theatre wraps up the film screenings with Beat Street (1984, on 35mm) on Wednesday, August 9 at 7:30pm and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo (1984, on 35mm) on Thursday, August 10 at 7:30pm.

August 11:
On the official 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, the Oak Cliff Cultural Center features DJ EZ Eddie D, host of the longest running Hip-Hop radio show in the world, in conversation with surprise special guests for a panel discussion at 5pm. Later that evening, Battle Grounds hosts an Open-Style and Breakin’ battle beginning at 8pm.

August 12:
The festivities conclude on Saturday, August 12. Join DJ Storm at Top Ten Records for a Hip-Hop record lounge starting at 5pm, and finally come and get your “SALLAD” at the OC3 …Money Waters performs live with DJ Leo J on the 1s and 2s at 8pm.

About Oak Cliff Cultural Center
The Oak Cliff Cultural Center is a division of the Office of Arts and Culture in the City of Dallas and is committed to enriching and empowering the Dallas community through arts and culture programming that is equitable, diverse, and encourages communication that supports and promotes local artists while nurturing knowledge and growth within the community.

The Center includes an art gallery and a multi-purpose studio. The OC3 Gallery presents a diverse range of artistic approaches, mediums, and voices. Visit the Exhibitions page for information about current and future exhibitions. Our multi-purpose studio features workshops, art, music, and dance classes, spring break and summer camps, cultural festivals and more for all ages.  For more information on upcoming workshops and events visit our Programs page.

The Oak Cliff Cultural Center is located next to the historic Texas Theatre on Jefferson Boulevard. Ppen Tuesday through Saturday from noon–6pm.

Find more family fun events every day of the week at dfwchild.com/calendar.