Rock The Bells, Bowery Presents, Impulse Nation, Kool Herc Productions, King Addies, and the Jamaica Music Conference have come together for an epic collaboration. Aptly named "FAAWUD," this groundbreaking event aims to shine a spotlight on the often overshadowed aspect of early Hip-Hop culture and bring together the Jamaican Diaspora, the Caribbean community, and the wider Hip-Hop family.
FAAWUD is not just a celebration of Hip Hop's 50th Anniversary but also commemorates King Addies' 40th Anniversary and the Jamaica Music Conference's 10th Anniversary. It's an inclusive cultural extravaganza that will unite the Hip-Hop, reggae, and dancehall communities, showcasing the profound influence of Jamaican Sound System Culture on Hip-Hop.
Legendary figures in Hip-Hop, reggae, and dancehall will be honored at FAAWUD, including the Father of Hip-Hop, DJ Kool Herc (2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee) and his sister, First Lady of Hip-Hop Cindy Campbell. Hip-Hop's first MC, Coke La Rock, Jamaica's King of All Selectors Danny Dread, and one of the original foundation toasters Big Youth, will also be honored. The event kicks off with a sound system exhibit, followed by a one-day program that takes the international audience on a cultural journey.
One of the highlights of FAAWUD will be a historic panel discussion featuring both Hip-Hop and Jamaican music icons and journalists engaging in a conversation together for the very first time. This groundbreaking event will also feature a clash of sound systems, turntablist exhibitions, sound clash exhibitions with dubplates, and an exhilarating toasting cypher that brings together icons from both Hip-Hop and Jamaican music.
Set to take place at New York City's legendary Webster Hall on August 10, 2023, FAAWUD will mark the official 50th Anniversary of Cindy Campbell and DJ Kool Herc's historic Hip Hop party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue on August 11, 1973—the birthplace of Hip-Hop itself.
Tickets for FAAWUD go on sale Friday, July 14th, and can be purchased on rockthebells.com/faawud.
