UVS Hip-Hop Summer School 2017
In the Summer of 2017 we launched our first Hip-Hop Summer School program in collaboration with the Kingsbridge Community Center. The program was a 6 week youth-based curriculum focusing on the 4 elements of Hip Hop (DJ, MC, Breakdance + Graffiti). Each element was taught by expert artists in the field. Classes happened two times a week with a focus on the history and modern-day application of the craft via hands-on learning and visits from historical guests such as Easy Mo Bee, Coke La Rock and Coco 144.
At the end of the program UVS hosted a Public Jam on August 11th to celebrate what students learned and the Anniversary of Hip-Hop's 44th Birthday. Students were invited to showcase their newfound talents and contribute to a unifying performance party. This project was made possible with public funds from the Bronx Council on the Arts through Department of Cultural Affairs' Greater New York Arts Development Fund Program; as well as our 96 backers on Kickstarter for believing in the vision.
Meet the Instructors:
Samson Da Poet ( Emcee Instructor) : Sammy "Samson" Maldonado is a Latino spoken word poet, songwriter, emcee from The Boogie Down Bronx. Samson is also one of the co founders and curator of a platform for media & performing arts entitled "Good Vibes Creative Minds"
IG: @Samsonpoet FB: Samson (Poet/Songwriter) www.Goodvibescreativeminds.com
Cinema ( Breakdance Instructor) : Cinema embodies all aspects of the word Breaker. He is based out of the Bronx and continues to use dance as his weapon throughout the Tri-State Area.
IG: @chris_tree
Alexis Gonzalez (Graffiti Instructor): Alexis Gonzalez is a well connected graffiti artist from the South Bronx. She has been active in the graffiti community of New York City for six years and counting. She has worked with children and their families from her community to educate them on street art, graffiti and how to collectively create murals together.
LiKWUiD ( DJ Instructor): Hip Hop Fusion music artist, DJ, songwriter and educator, LiKWUiD (Stylez), born Faybeo'n LaShanna A Mickens has curated music for Photoville and the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival's Family Day. As an avid lover of house music, LiKWUiD's style of djing is based around blending beats together as one tapestry of sound. She is a resident dj at Silvana and Angel of Harlem. As a songwriter, her film credits include placements with HBO Latina Films, IFC Films, Oxygen Network, MTV and several indie projects. LiKWUiD is fully committed to combining hip hop and education. The College of Charleston (BA) and St. John's University (MBA) graduate has performed, presented workshops, lectures and participated on panels at academic spaces such as Columbia University, BAM, the Eleanor Roosevelt School for Girls, the Hip Hop Culture Center, Flocabulary, Comic Con and more. She currently teaches workshops at Red Hook Initiative, Scribble Art/Bread & Yoga and through her community jam session The Sifer.
Overview of Curriculum:
Week 1: Orientation
(Introduction to Hip-Hop & Instructors)
Week 2: Birth of the break
(Exploring the record and the role it played in Hip-Hop, breaks and dance culture)
Week 3: Check the Rhyme
(Birth of the Emcee, Using words as a tool to move the people)
Week 4: BREAKDANCE!
(The origin of the term B-Boy + B-Girl and the influence it had on the youth)
Week 5: Graffiti (The power of art to uplift the people)
Week 6: Youth Jam August 11th / Hip-Hop's 44th Birthday
All photos Shot by Buddy Niederhoffer
All videos Shot by Daniel Astacio
