Can Hip-Hop Be the Soundtrack for Change?

Hip-hop is a conversation across communities. But power and privilege exert control inside this industry as they do outside. It is all interconnected. Many talented female hip-hop performers have fallen prey to fear and exploitation, and continue to fight for recognition while battling abuse and stereotypes imposed by industry insiders and general audiences. Meanwhile, streaming and predatory contracts have opened the doors for new modes of financial manipulation in the fine print, impacting royalties and devaluing artistry. What do reparations for these unfair practices look like? How can women in the industry support the next generation and build pathways for their success? And how can hip-hop respond to the changing political climate?

Join us for a pre-concert conversation about the role of women in hip-hop with Medusa, the “Godmother of West Coast Hip-Hop,” and reparations advocate and business manager to the stars Khansa T. Jones-Muhammad aka Friday Jones. Part of Levitt L.A.’s free summer concert series.

Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles (Levitt LA) is celebrating its 18th annual concert series by presenting 10 world-class performances that are all free and open to everyone. The concerts will be held outdoors, under the stars, with the stunning backdrop of LA’s skyline at MacArthur Park.

Medusa the Gangsta Goddess

A true pioneer and icon in West Coast underground hip-hop, Medusa is known for her commanding stage presence, razor-sharp lyrics, and unwavering authenticity. With roots in Leimert Park’s spoken word and freestyle scenes, she’s been breaking barriers for women in hip-hop for decades and continues to inspire new generations with her conscious rhymes and powerful performances.

Agenda
6:15 PM – Conversation
7:00 PM – Concert