Berklee College of Music to Host Lecrae at 19th Annual Business of Hip-Hop Music Symposium

The Berklee College of Music Business/Management Department will welcome Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, and entrepreneur Lecrae as a featured guest at its 19th Annual Business of Hip-Hop Music Symposium on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

Widely recognized for his impact on hip-hop and culture, Lecrae’s participation underscores the symposium’s ongoing commitment to connecting students with influential voices shaping today’s music industry. Known for both his chart-topping releases and entrepreneurial ventures, he will bring firsthand insight into navigating artistry, business, and purpose within a competitive global landscape.

The event will include two key segments. An A&R Listening Session will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Red Room, located at 939 Boylston Street, offering emerging talent the opportunity to present their music for professional feedback. Later that evening, Lecrae will headline a “Real Talk” Conversation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston Street, where he will engage in an in-depth discussion on the realities of the music business.

Presented in collaboration with Reach Records, the symposium forms part of Berklee’s broader initiative to bridge academic learning with real-world industry experience. Each year, the event provides a platform for students, creatives, and aspiring executives to gain practical knowledge directly from established professionals.

Lecrae’s presence is expected to draw significant interest, offering attendees a rare opportunity to hear from an artist who has successfully balanced commercial success with independent vision and cultural influence.

Lupe Fiasco Explores ‘The Current State of Rap Theory’ at Peabody Institute on April 3

The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University is set to host acclaimed rapper and lyricist Lupe Fiasco as a Distinguished Visiting Artist for a special master class titled “The Current State of Rap Theory.”

Scheduled for Friday, April 3 at 3:30 p.m., the session will take place at the Centre Street Performance Studio, located at 5 E Centre Street in Baltimore. The event is free to the public, and no tickets are required. This class offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insight from one of hip-hop’s most respected voices.

Jon B and Yo-Yo Confirmed for Autism Awareness Event in LA on April 12

Ryder’s Room, Inc., founded by Grammy Award-winning artist Faith Evans, will present an Autism Awareness Community Event on April 12, 2026, at the Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex in Los Angeles. The free event, scheduled from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, is designed to promote awareness, acceptance, and inclusion while providing meaningful support to families within the autism and special needs community.

The event will feature a live performance by Jon B and will be hosted by hip-hop pioneer Yo-Yo. Attendees can look forward to a range of activities including community resource vendors, family support services, sensory-friendly experiences, live music, and entertainment for all ages.

Ryder’s Room continues its mission of empowering children and families with disabilities by creating spaces for connection, access to vital resources, and community engagement.

Brooklyn Bowl Hosts Talib Kweli with Special Guests in April

Hip-hop fans in New York can look forward to a live performance by Talib Kweli at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, April 10. Known for his sharp lyricism and influential role in conscious hip-hop, Kweli remains a dominant force in the rap scene. Joining him for the evening are Lill Twinn and Mizzy Coke.

For those not in the know, Brooklyn Bowl is located at 61 Wythe Avenue in Brooklyn, New York. This concert is expected to draw a diverse crowd of hip-hop enthusiasts to one of the city’s most vibrant settings to experience live music.

Hip-Hop Icons Nas & DJ Premier Release “GiT Ready” Visual

Hip-hop icons Nas and DJ Premier have unveiled the official video for “GiT Ready”, released on March 18 as the second track from their long-awaited collaborative album Light-Years. The visual arrives as a major moment for fans who have followed the duo’s influential partnership over the decades.

Light-Years represents a 30-year creative legacy brought full circle, reinforcing Nas and DJ Premier’s standing as one of hip-hop’s most respected rapper-producer pairings. Their chemistry, deeply rooted in the culture’s evolution, continues to shape the genre’s sound and direction.

The project also forms part of Mass Appeal’s Legend Has It campaign, a seven-release series spotlighting legendary artists including Slick Rick, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Big L, and De La Soul.

Fans can watch the official video for “GiT Ready” now on the YouTube channels of Nas, DJ Premier, or Mass Appeal.

Ms. Lauryn Hill, YG, and Zion Marley Set for Benefit Performance at Gallagher Square

Ms. Lauryn Hill is set to headline a major charitable event at Petco Park on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Performing at Gallagher Square, the legendary artist will be joined by special guests YG and Zion Marley. This performance serves as a centerpiece for the fifth annual Dinner on the Diamond, presented by Sycuan Casino Resort.

In a significant commitment to local philanthropy, all net ticket proceeds from the concert will benefit the Padres Foundation. The foundation focuses on supporting essential initiatives throughout the San Diego region. Doors for the performance are scheduled to open at 7:00 PM, with the show officially beginning at 8:00 PM.

For those attending the Dinner on the Diamond, tickets will be made available to the general public as of Thursday, March 12, at 10:00 AM PT. Given the high-profile nature of the lineup and the charitable mission behind the evening, interested fans are encouraged to secure their admission early.

Hip-Hop Icons Method Man and Redman to Perform at Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana on Feb. 27

Hip-hop heavyweights Method Man and Redman are set to bring their high-energy stage show to Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana in Gary on Friday, February 27, 2026. The concert begins at 7:00 PM and is expected to deliver an unforgettable night of classic hip-hop.

Known for their long-standing chemistry and collaborative hits including material from their Blackout! project and the cult-favorite film How High, the duo has built a reputation as one of rap’s most electrifying live acts. Method Man, also a member of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, and Redman continue to captivate audiences with their lyrical skill, humor, and commanding stage presence.