Arts and Culture
by Ahsan Washington
Hip-hop is more than beats and bravado.
Hip-hop is more than beats and bravado. It is a cultural force that can change any stage it touches. Over the years, a growing group of artists have moved from the studio to the concert hall. Artists have shown that storytelling and orchestral music are not opposites but natural partners. From trap pioneers to lyrical architects, artists are changing how rap music can sound in elevated spaces. We highlight the rappers who took Hip-Hop to symphony hall.
Nas
Kendrick Lamar
Rick Ross
Jeezy
On Jan. 27, the Atlanta Symphony Hall hosted Jeezy, who performed as part of a new concert series that unites Hip-Hop artists with orchestral musicians. The series works to connect urban audiences with orchestral venues while using classical instruments to enhance trap music.
Wyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean, the Haitian-American rapper and producer who co-founded Fugees, organized the Night of Symphonic Hip-Hop, which brought him to perform with orchestras at multiple concert halls. The series amplifies Hip-Hop through orchestral performances while honoring its musical depth against classical music traditions.
Killer Mike
RZA (Wu-Tang Clan)
RELATED CONTENT: Clipse Becomes First Rappers To Perform At The Vatican
Nas
Symphony performances
Wyclef Jean
Rick Ross
Kendrick Lamar
RZA
Killer Mike
Jeezy
hip-hop
Source: Black Enterprise
