Hip Hop Concert

In cooperation with The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Jazz at Lincoln Center, Bethlehem University hosted a concert for Opus Akoben Hip Hop Ensemble, the Washington D.C. based hip hop fusion band touted by many in the music industry as one of the most innovative acts in hip-hop. This program is part of The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad comprising international tours of jazz and urban music ensembles designed to bring American music to audiences abroad through concert performances and educational events.

The band's quartet, featuring emcees Kokayi and Sub Z, drummer Jay Nichols and bassist Ezra Greer, embarked for a month long tour exposing hip hop culture in the countries of Bahrain , Oman , Egypt , Saudi Arabia , Palestine and Jordan . "This is an opportunity for us to provide other people with the truth about hip hop and African-American culture while learning their culture and sharing our musical influences," says group member Sub-Z. Included on their jaunt are workshops at every stop including a DJ Battle, exhibitions in the art of freestyle, music production and the in-depth exploration of vocal improvisation as it relates to both Hip Hop and Jazz music.