Friday, July 30 at 6:30pm
In the 1980s and 1990s, Cleveland was home to one of the most fertile hip-hop cultural arts scenes in the country. From the rap music of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to the graffiti artistry of Ranger and Sano to DJ Crews like Johnny O and the Sorcerer Crew to dance groups like Illstyle Rockers and the Step Off Crew, Northeast Ohio's hip-hop roots run deep. Despite this rich history, many of Cleveland's most important hip-hop cultural forebears are little known. Their artistry documented local historical sites, influential figures, and the relevant moments that gave rise to a global culture, so how is it that so many have been forgotten? As part of ThirdSpace Action Lab's "Chocolate Cities" project, join Twelve Literary Arts and Spread the Love Foundation as we facilitate a conversation with some of Cleveland's true legends of "Thieveland" hip hop. On this night, we will learn more about Cleveland's history through the lens of hip hop, and we will discuss ways to better document Cleveland's rich cultural legacies.
