Tiffin University to present ‘Hip Hop Elements’

Tiffin, Ohio — In celebration of Black History Month, Tiffin University will be presenting “Hip Hop Elements” on Saturday, February 12, in the TU Marion Center. This free and family-friendly program includes hands-on educational workshops at 2 p.m. and a concert at 7 p.m.

Led by hip-hop scholar Dr. Jason Rawls, the afternoon portion of the program includes a presentation on the origin of and culture surrounding hip-hop, followed by opportunities for audience members to engage with four activity stations representing the four main elements of hip-hop culture, including DJ’ing, emceeing (writing and performing rap lyrics), B-Boying (break dancing) and graffiti art.

A professional artist will facilitate each activity station, and all audience members will be able to experience each component for themselves in a supportive and educational environment.

The program will conclude with an evening concert by the Columbus-based jazz/hip-hop fusion band, Liquid Crystal Project. The Tiffin University student band, Culture Switch will serve as the opening act.

“This will be the third time in recent years that Dr. Rawls has brought this program to our campus,” says Brad Rees, TU’s Vice Provost for Creative Arts. “It is really transformative for audience members and is fun and entertaining for all ages. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Black History Month than to appreciate in a hands-on way how important hip hop is to American culture.”

The program is free and open to the public.