The PDX Hip Hop Week is back for its 11th year, and it's an event that truly embodies the spirit of Portland's vibrant hip-hop community. This annual celebration, which runs from August 20th to 26th, is a testament to the city's rich cultural fabric and its commitment to supporting local talent.
What makes PDX Hip Hop Week so special is its origin story. Co-founder DJ OG ONE explains that the week was born out of a need to address the systematic shutdown of venues that primarily hosted hip-hop music and served as gathering places for Black and Brown communities. In 2013, these spaces were disappearing, and with them, the platform for local hip-hop artists to perform and connect with their audience.
"We started the hip-hop week because there were issues going on at that time... a systematic shutdown of clubs and venues that primarily had hip-hop music and black and brown people," OG ONE said.
This event is not just about music; it's about community, inclusion, and a shared love for hip-hop culture. OG ONE emphasizes that the week is open to all, with no gatekeepers or barriers to participation. It's a celebration of the foundation of hip-hop, which is about coming together and supporting one another.
"I've set this up in such a way where there is no gatekeeper... everyone can be involved."
The event pays tribute to late co-founder and veteran Portland DJ "Star Chile," whose legacy continues to inspire the community. It's a week-long tribute to the city's hidden hip-hop treasure, a community that has thrived and evolved over the years.
"Portland as a hip-hop community was a hidden treasure... I'm glad Hip-hop week has been a platform to help curate and push them out in the forefront," OG ONE added.
The week's events, including a block party in front of City Hall, showcase the best of Portland's hip-hop scene. It's a chance for artists to shine, for the community to come together, and for the world to recognize the talent that thrives in this city.
So, mark your calendars, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant world of PDX Hip Hop Week. It's more than just a music festival; it's a celebration of community, culture, and the power of hip-hop to bring people together.
