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:
-
Performances
Watch for an expanding lineup of hip hop shows on our stages!
-
Culture Talks
Learn about hip hop history and culture during discussions with artists and industry professionals.
-
Summer Camps
Young learners can practice DJing, MCing, dance moves, writing, and visual art with local teaching artists and guest teachers like Bboy icon Ken Swift.
-
And More!
Stay tuned for block parties and other opportunities for the community to connect through hip hop!
"The essence of hip hop is you can be who you are. That's the beauty of it."
— Daniel Jones, former artistic advisor
upcoming events
Explore a full season of upcoming hip hop talks, camps, and other events!
Culture Talk: So Fresh & So Clean + After Party with DJ Scottie Pigeon
Feb 20, 2025
Culxr House
Choose-What-You-Pay
Buy Tickets
ticketomaha.com
Dance Battle Royale
Apr 8, 2025
Girls Inc.
Choose-What-You-Pay
Buy Tickets
ticketomaha.com
Culture Talk: Speak My Mind
Apr 9, 2025
Scott Hall
Choose-What-You-Pay
Buy Tickets
ticketomaha.com
Hip Hop Lab Block Party II
May 16, 2025
Culxr House
Choose-What-You-Pay
Buy Tickets
ticketomaha.com
Hip Hop Lab Summer Camp
Jul 14, 2025
Holland Performing Arts Center
Buy Tickets
ticketomaha.com
hip hop lab after parties
Get a ticket for these hip hop shows and stick around for the after party brought to you by Hip Hop Lab!
about 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!
In memory and honor of Daniel Jones
The late Daniel Jones was a driving force behind Hip Hop Lab and the original artistic advisor. We honor his legacy by continuing this important work in our community.
Sponsored by:
Hearst Foundation, Inc.