What was the first rap song? What’s the history of hip hop dance (and how do you do the moves)? Why does hip hop resonate across the globe as such a powerful means of self-expression? Hip Hop Lab dives into the who, what, where, when, and why of the genre and culture of hip hop. Whether you’re an expert or a curious learner, a youth or an adult, there’s something here for you to discover.

Hip Hop Lab offers:

Get a ticket for these hip hop shows and stick around for the after party brought to you by Hip Hop Lab!

In May 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. Working with local and national partners, our goal is to create opportunities for learners and artists of all ages and expertise to engage with the elements of hip hop. Working with the Hip Hop Lab Advisory Council, a committee of community members and O-pa staff, the program pairs performances from artists like Kurtis Blow, Black Violin, Robert Glasper, Ladies of Hip Hop, and others with community engagement and education events while these incredible hip hop artists are in Omaha.

When the Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement opens in 2026, we’ll be able to offer even more hip hop dance classes, youth summer camps, and professional development workshops!

Sponsored by:
Hearst Foundation, Inc.