New York Hip Hop Events – November, 2015

A few notable NY-area hip hop events for the month of November

We know we have a world-class event calendar on our site, that thousands of folks check out every month, but sometimes, we have to point out some New York hip hop events that require special attention. A few such events are coming up in November, 2015, so we assembled a few for your perusal.

As we’ve often said, New York City remains THE most progressive and diverse place on the planet for hip hop music and culture, so we do hope that after seven years or so of us bringing you the very best from that vast universe, you aren’t still one of the frustratingly close-minded folks who complain about “today’s hip hop…” ESPECIALLY not in and around the Big Apple.

So, here are a few events of interest for November, 2015. We’ll probably add a few more here and there, so swing back every now and then. As always, for more, including last minute additions, visit the world-famous Birthplace Magazine NY Hip Hop Events Calendar at any time.

FEATURED EVENT

Live Nation presents Genesis Be at Santos Party House [Fri., Nov. 20]

This special night is an epic event in the making, featuring Genesie Be, one of the country’s premier upcoming MCs. This New Yorker-by-way-of-Mississippi has held court in and around the city for years, building her reputation of blending just the right amounts of style and substance in her music, and as co-host of Hip-Hop & Her Family, which airs on innovative, Brooklyn-based internet station Bondfire Radio. Assembling an Avengers-quality lineup of supporting artists, Genesis Be will be lighting up Santos Party House for the release of her album Poli Trap. BirthplaceMag.com’s own Manny Faces will be hosting the evening, with DJ Petra on the wheels. A stellar bill including the Raekwon-co-signed Napoleon The Legend, Young Planet, Kid Lucky Skanks The Rap Martyr and more. For more information, visit the Birthplace Magazine event calendar or purchase tickets directly at TicketWeb. – Santos Party House, 96 Lafayette St., NYC – 7:30 – BUY TICKETS HERE

New Beginning for The End of The Weak [Sunday, November 1 + Weekly)

For 15 years or so, End of the Weak has existed as THE breeding ground for hungry MCs eager to cut their teeth among their wordsmithing peers. The city’s longest hip hop open mic series previously held court at The Pyramid Club on Ave. A. While seldom missing a Sunday during the series epic run, recently, the E-O-Dub came to a screeching halt. But there is no end in sight to this NYC musical landmark, as the EOW crew re-emerges at the Bowery Electric, bigger and better than ever. The weekly event allows for MCs to sign up and do their thing open mic style, but also keep an eye out for the semi-regular MC Challenge – a round robin contest pitting some of the city’s most talented rhymesayers against one another. No matter when you stop by, a healthy dose of hip hop music and community is sure to be in the house. End of the Weak is now a free event with an after-party featuring some of the industry’s finest DJs on the mix. For more, visit the Birthplace Magazine event calendar or www.eodub.com – The Bowery Electric, 327 Bowery, NYC. Open mic – 8pm-12mid. Midnight-2am after-party. Free.

Multi-Elemental Displays of Hip Hop Hotness [Monday Nov. 2 + Monthly]

Freestyle Mondays, another venerable, long-running New York hip hop event series, continues its similarly epic run, expanding its offerings along the way. The recent inclusion of more than just the freestyle rap battles that it is known for throughout the world has been extremely well-received, as host Illspokinn decided that some underrepresented elements of hip hop art — DJing, B-Boying, artwork — could find a home at Freestyle Mondays. Rebranding the Freestyle Gameshow Battle as just one part of The Arena, the FM family (and one of the most supportive and engaged audiences in all of hip hop) will delight with an array of talented exhibitionists throughout the always-free event. Not to be outdone by the new facets of entertainment though, the 8-on-8, impromptu display of verbal pugilism backed by some of the city’s best musicians, is still the icing on the cake. One of the best events the city has to offer — across any genre — the first-Mondays-of-the-month Freestyle Mondays continues to be a shining jewel in the crown of New York hip hop. This Month, world-touring Illspokinn is out touring the world, so world-touring Rabbi Darkside, who is in-between world tours, will hold down the evening. For more information, visit the Birthplace Magazine event calendar or www.freestylemondays.com. – Meridian 23, 161 W. 23rd St., NYC. – 8pm – 2am. Free.

Two Years of Mixed Pleasures [Wed., Nov. 4 + Monthly]

A great multi-genre open mic and performance showcase, Mixed Pleasures celebrates two years with music, visual art and an appreciative, engaged, supportive audience at The Delancey. Hosted by North of Division X with DJ Lovely on the 1s and 2s and a lineup of talented, diverse artists, Mixed Pleasures is a perfect mid-week spot to discover and support great independent artists every first Wednesday. For more information, visit the Birthplace Magazine event calendar or www.rachelburrell.com. – The Delancey, 168 Delancey St., NYC. – 7:30pm. Free.

Line Up For The Line Up [Sat., Nov 7 + Monthly]

Fresh off of their two-night, live concert film, CMJ extravaganza, Silent Knight and The Band Called FUSE continue their ascent to fusion band greatness with the return of their five-years-long-and-counting monthly showcase and open mic series, The Line Up. With an always diverse, talented lineup, and a familial, engaged and supportive crowd, this free monthly event is always a place of musical discovery and headnodding fun. Plus, Sidewalk Cafe serves up food all night long. Swing by this, and every first Saturday of the month. For more information, visit the Birthplace Magazine event calendar or www.bandcalledfuse.com – Sidewalk Cafe, 94 Ave. A, NYC. – 10:30pm – until. Free.

Universal Zulu Nation 42st Anniversary [Nov. 12-15]

The Universal Zulu Nation hosts its yearly celebration of their existence and their influence on hip hop culture. A series of events during November demonstrates the organization’s deep admiration for the roots of hip hop music and culture. The following events are happening as part of this year’s celebration. Information on all of these events, including the ability to purchase a UZN42 Fun Pass for entry to all the events, can be found on the Anniversary’s main Facebook page.

Nov. 12: Unsigned Artist Night @ Casita Maria – Bronx
Nov. 13: Night of Power @ National Black Theater – Harlem
Nov. 14: 2nd Annual World Council on Community Affairs
Nov. 14: UZN Family Day @ Johnson Comm. Center – El Barrio
Nov. 14: Night of Classic R&B @ National Black Theater Harlem
Nov. 15: Meeting of the Minds – Bronx Museum of the Arts
Nov. 15: True School Night @ National Black Theater Harlem

Rapacon! [Thurs., Nov. 19]

This is the inaugural kickoff of an innovative performance and networking event, Rapacon will bring together several elements of hip hop performance art and music as well as panel discussions, networking and an old school concert to top things off. With on-site audio and video recording, the return of the Rapathon, hip hop karaoke and an after-party, hip hop business and pleasure will be merged into a one day-long convention. For more information, visit the Birthplace Magazine event calendar or www.rapacon.com