GLOBAL ARTISTS COALITION AND CONVERSE BRING RARE HIP-HOP ARTIFACTS, INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCES AND A SNEAKER PAINTING COMPETITION TO NYC

Hip-Hop Legend Bobbito Garcia and Hot 97 DJ Raqiyah to Host Landmark

WHAT:Hosted by Sneaker aficionado Bobbito Garcia, and Hot 97 DJ Raqiyah, Global Artists Coalition and Converse – in conjunction with Footlocker and Foot Action – will bring their popular sneaker-painting competition, a landmark exhibit of rare hip-hop handbills and urban photography, and several innovative performances to New York City, to raise awareness of hip-hop’s past and spotlight its creative future.

The event will Feature:

·The “Converse Sneaker Art Battle,” which offers emerging artists the opportunity to “tag” a classic white Pro Leather shoe with their own inspired creations. Participants’ pieces will be judged and considered for a special limited-edition athletic shoe from Converse.

·An exhibit of hip-hop historian Curtis Sherrod’s rare hip-hop handbills, which promoted legendary old-school parties during the late ’70s and early ’80s, and photojournalist Jamel Shabazz’s gritty snapshots of the emerging hip-hop scene from 1980-1989, from his critically-praised books Back in the Day and A Time Before Crack.

·A special performances by Bam the Liquid Robot, whose hip-hop dance routines are enthusiastically acclaimed for their passionate virtuosity and stylistic flair; the vocal innovation of Kid Lucky and his freewheeling and funky oral orchestra; and the trailblazing ensemble Asa Yaa. Boasting musicians, dancers and singers, and glorifying the connection between African culture and modern African-American art, this Brooklyn-based company has toured the world to great acclaim.

WHO: Hot 97 DJ Raqiyah will host from 2 pm – 5 pm. Hip-hop legend Bobbito Garcia, host of ESPN 2’s It’s The Shoes and author of Where'd You Get Those? New York City's Sneaker Culture: 1960-1987, will MC from 5pm – 8 pm