The Roots, Common, Tony Touch, Soul Live, J-Live, Kanye West and others plan to convene with several Cuban hip-hop artists in an effort to push cultural exchange at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. On June 9, the American artists will meld talents with Cuba’s finest like Doble Filo and Obsesion
The cultural exchanges are hardly new, claims activist Danny Hoch, the festival’s cultural director.
“Hip Hop is the purest form of artistic expression coming out of urban neighborhoods all over the world,” said Hoch, who has traveled to Cuba and been an active participant in the hip-hop scene there. “This kind of event proves that cultural identity transcends all political and social boundaries and is instrumental is building awareness on a global level.”
Last year, Hoch brought Obsesion to New York to perform and participate in workshops.
Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson of The Roots said the group looks forward to working with the Cuban groups and intends to continue in the creative exchange. The Roots recently performed in Cuba.
“Global Unity through Hip Hop Music is something that The Roots cater to. We are excited to welcome Doble Filo & Obsesion to the USA. When we visited Cuba this past year, we were inspired in so many ways, by their integrity and indigenous form of Hip Hop music,” said ?uestlove.
Proceeds from the ticket sales will go to the Hip Hop Theater Festival and The International Hip Hop Exchange. For more information, go to tp://www.hiphoptheaterfest.com.