Part of the 5×5 Block Party Series. Thank you to the partnership of Council Member Kamillah Hanks, Mayor Eric Adams, Maker Park Radio, Richmond Hood Co. and ITSALLBLACKMUSIC PRESENTS.

When it comes to hip-hop on Staten Island, no group looms larger than the Wu-Tang Clan, who took their underground Kung Fu-flick aesthetic around the world many times over, and changed both the sound and business of hip-hop indelibly. Among its members, Raekwon the Chef is known for his innovative and distinctive flow, showcased on his classic solo LP Only Built 4 Cuban Linx and all of the Wu-Tang albums, including Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and Wu-Tang Forever. His recent memoir From Staircase to Stage: The Story of Raekwon and the Wu-Tang Clan recounts his journey from the staircases of Staten Island’s Park Hill to sold-out stadiums around the world. For this celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Raekwon honors that legacy with a few friends, including Staten Island native Tyrone Briggs, performing with the borough’s funkiest fusion band the Jazztronauts, and Shyheim, the Wu-Tang-affiliated MC who broke out at 14 years old with his 1994 LP AKA The Rugged Child. The pillars of hip-hop will be celebrated with live graffiti, dance and streetwear vendors. In association with Maker Park Radio, a nonprofit community internet radio station in Staten Island’s Stapleton neighborhood.

Performances from:
Raekwon the Chef, Shyheim, Tyrone Briggs w/ The Jazztronauts, Holy Moe, Eddy I, Frank Nitti, Starda, WhoIsBravy

DJ Sets from:
DJ Xcel, DJ Smoove, DJ Shame

Emceed by:
Dyverse The 1st, Juthy, Jenn Baez

Rap Battles: hosted by iBattle TV
Wes Crav vs. Polo Paul
Raja Reborn vs. Big Red

Dance:
Demo by J.B. from the NY Arts Cypher
J.B. is one of the founding members of the world renowned dance group “The Amountboyz”. He has been dancing professionally since ’92 and loves to promote how dance and Hip Hop Dance saves lives and is one of the truest forms of expression.

Graffiti:
Demo by Projectivity and guest artists
Projectivity in partnership with Thrive Collective will program live graffiti celebrating hip-hop’s 50th Anniversary.

Live Art Installation:

Streetwear
Eight vendors
This show is supported, in part, by the Howard Gilman Foundation.