Mt. Vernon to Host Rapacon / DJ-Con, Full-Day Tribute To City’s Impact on Hip-Hop Music and Culture

On November 5th, 2016, the traveling hip-hop exhibition known as Rapacon will pay homage to the impact that Mount Vernon’s has had on the musical and cultural phenomenon.

Having already touched down in New York City and Philadelphia, Rapacon will celebrate Mount Vernon’s influence, with a day-long schedule of events paying tribute to musical artists and cultural participants, including the late Heavy D, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and many others.

Rapacon is the brainchild of Curtis Sherrod, previously known for his work with the Hip-Hop Culture Center in Harlem. The premise is to execute a multi-faceted event which touches on all aspects of hip-hop’s positive influences throughout history. The event typically contains DJ and freestyle exhibitions, panel discussions, networking sessions, performances and showcases, culminating in an award ceremony that spotlights various members of the community that have helped shape the genre and positively impact its associated communities.

“We’re going to have dozens of acclaimed DJs and freestyle MCs joining local youth, parents, public servants and community leaders,” Sherrod explained. “This is as much a celebration of peace and diversity as is it to recognize the incredible impact that Mount Vernon has had on this worldwide phenomenon.”

The Rapacon event series began with a preview event taking place on Harlem’s 125th Street, which included the much-heralded DJ-Con exhibition, featuring a non-stop, rotating cast of turntable technicians spinning music for the masses for hours on end.

“We will have DJ royalty in the house on November 5,” promised Sherrod. “Legends like DJ Chuck Chillout, Jazzy Joyce and Grand Wizard Theodore. We always acknowledge that the DJ is the cornerstone of the culture.”

The full Rapacon program came to life in Philadelphia, with panel discussions on topics including the music business, Philadelphia role in hip-hop history and beatboxing. Perhaps the most interesting facet was the inclusion of cosplay, a practice typically relegated to fans of comic books and science fiction. The merging of cosplay and hip-hop is an innovation which truly sets Rapacon apart.

All of these elements, including the 4Square 4Peace Project block party, an all-day voter registration drive, panel discussions, the DJ-Con exhibition, a mini-Rapathon freestyle exhibition, Heavy D remembrance, award ceremony and after-party will place Mount Vernon in the hip-hop spotlight it deserves on Saturday November 5th 2016.

Full details are listed below.

For more information visit www.rapacon.com.