"The essence of hip hop is you can be who you are. That's the beauty of it."
—Daniel Jones
In May of 2023, O-pa launched Hip Hop Lab to educate, elevate and amplify the 50-year legacy surrounding the global impact, performance, history, and culture of Hip Hop. Hip Hop Lab will draw in audiences with:
Performances: Through the Hip Hop Lab, O-pa will expand its performance offerings with more Hip Hop programming.
Culture Talks: TEDx Style conversations curated to educate audiences about hip hop history and culture.
Camps: Omaha area youth will get the opportunity to learn and practice the elements of hip hop - DJing, Emceeing, Dance, and Visual Art. Camps are for grades 6-12.
And more!
We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of O-pa Hip Hop Lab Artistic Advisor Daniel Jones. Our condolences to his family and friends, colleagues, and everyone he inspired through his art. Daniel was a driving creative force behind Hip Hop Lab and we will honor his legacy by continuing this important work in our community.
Upcoming Events
October 11 | Culture Talk with Hi-Tek: "Scratch That"
7:30 PM | Scott Recital Hall in the Holland Center | Free | All Ages
Join us for our next Hip Hop Lab culture talk exploring music production, sampling, and more with Cincinnati Rapper & Producer Hi-Tek, and Omaha's Lite Pole and Artist, Producer, and Founder of Culxr House Marcey Yates, moderated by Audio Engineer & DJ Kethro This is a free ticketed event.
November 21 | Culture Talk with Kurtis Blow
6:30 PM | Virtual | Free | All Ages
Omaha's own Streets A&R Podcast will host a conversation with Hip Hop legend Kurtis Blow, diving into the development of The Hip Hop Nutcracker, its success and Hip Hop's 50th anniversary celebration. Stream through Omaha Performing Arts YouTube.
February 12 | Culture Talk: My Pen is Dope
7:30 PM | Steelhouse Omaha Lobby | Free | All Ages
Join us for our next Culture Talk surrounding the history of emceeing, writing, and spoken word featuring an all-female panel, Hip-Hop historian and Poet Michelle Troxclair, Faith-based rapper/singer/songwriter Tylynn Music, and Co-Executive Director of NE Writers Collective Zedeka Poindexter.
February 13 | Black Violin
7:30 PM | Steelhouse Omaha | All Ages
For nearly two decades, Black Violin has been merging string arrangements with modern beats and vocals and building bridges in communities along the way. Watch them perform!
February 17 | Hip Hop Lab Camp Sampler
10 AM | Holland Center | Free
A one-day camp experience where students grades 6-12 will explore the elements of Hip Hop, its history, and culture with Houston Alexander, Rayneesha Yvonne, Hugo Zamorano, Kethro, and Conny Franko. This sampler will introduce participants to a three-day camp available in July. Registration opens December 4 and is required.
May 15 | Culture Talk: Graffiti & Urban Art
7:30 PM | Scott Hall, Holland Center | Free | All Ages
Join us for the last Culture Talk of the season, taking a deeper look into the creative process behind graffiti with canvas displays. This conversation will be led by Hugo Zamorano & more!
May 16 | Hip Hop Lab Block Party
6:00 - 8:00 PM | Steelhouse Omaha Patio | Free | All Ages
Hip Hop was born at a block party in the south Bronx. Join us and keep the party going as we celebrate Hip Hop Lab!
Stay updated on Hip Hop Lab
Get information about more events and registration details by signing up for updates.
Dancer and O-pa Community Engagement Manager Aaron Gregory at the Hip Hop Lab Dance Battle Royale