The Citizen Science Lab is sponsoring a benefit concert called "Masters of The Mic," under the banner of "Flying Beyond Intergalactic Boundaries Through STEM," which will feature performances by Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Das EFX and Positive K. Dr. Andre Samuel, founder/president/CEO of The Citizen Lab, Pittsburgh's first community life sciences laboratory, explained the catalyst for the concert. He was watching reruns of The Jeffersons, Sanford & Son and What's Happening when he noticed a common theme: when someone in the community was in need of financial assistance, the characters on the show would throw a benefit concert.

"I grew up in the days of Farm Aid and Live Aid, where concerts were thrown to address world issues," Samuels explained to the Pittsburgh City Paper. "I think that we can do the same in our communities, and that's what I was hoping to start with this type of fundraising event."

The purpose of the concert to help the lab continue its mission of increasing the number of underrepresented groups in the sciences. "Music is what keeps us going, and a lot of times it guides us," Samuel said. "Making sure that we connect through music, and connect music to science, is a great way to keep us connected to the younger generations."

When asked why he chose classic Hip-Hop acts, Samuels says that he grew up listening to these MCs and that they are pioneers and amongst the greatest MCs. Samuels also wishes to dispel the myths about Black people in sciences.

"One of those myths is that if you're Black and into science you're nerdy and geeky and not into all of the things that Black people are into culturally," Samuels states, before adding, "Why not have some of the greatest MCs in the universe come and get people together to celebrate STEM?" The concert is set for Sunday, May 29 at Stage AE. 400 N. Shore Dr. Tickets range from $78.75-$128.75