TALK OF GREENWOOD
Dr. Jerry Goodwin
Oklahoma Birth of Legends is celebrating the 51st anniversary of Hip Hop at this year’s second annual event at Guthrie Green, Sept. 29. Photo, Provided
‘The Marriage Between Hip-Hop And R&B’ Will Feature Live Entertainment, Food Trucks, And Vendors
Oklahoma Birth of Legends is returning for another year at Guthrie Green, 111 Reconciliation Way, on Sept. 29, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The event will celebrate Hip Hop’s 51st anniversary.
“The Marriage Between Hip-Hop and R&B” themed event is following last year’s festival that included artists from around Oklahoma.
The event will feature the following entertainers: Metr Netr, Ksmoov, Mz Apple, Nitro, Amber DeCassios, Chiney, Nasti Bayb, Onesat Official, Big Burna, Cortney Lachelle, HeadLiners Muf Gang, and many more. The co-hosts will be MidWest B.J and Tiqua from KJMM (KJAMZ) 105.3FM with D.J. Mike Mike.
“I remember the years when the masses thought hip hop was just a fad, and it wouldn’t last the past 10 years,” said Mareo Johnson.
He said, “(Global) hip hop has shown it’s definitely here to stay by contributing over $10 billion to the U.S. economy every year with music, concert sales, and merchandise.”
The annual program features the state’s hip hop legends, pioneers, and a new generation of artists coming together on one big stage to highlight some of Oklahoma’s most gifted artists.
Oklahoma Birth of Legends is a vision that Johnson has had for several years. His dream became a reality beginning in 2018 with “Stop The Killing, Start the Healing Old School Hip Hop Reunion,” then “Community Love Event,” setting the foundation for the last two years’ events.
According to Worldmetrics.org, hip hop is 21.7% of total U. S. music consumption. In 2019, the music genre was the most popular genre in the U. S., comprising 28.1% of all music streamed. In 2020, hip hop/R&B was the most popular category of total music consumption, surpassing rock ’n’ roll.
“It’s amazing that something that was birthed from the ghettos and neighborhoods of black expression is now a global multi-billion dollar business,” said Johnson.
Food trucks and vendors will be available for families, including Fancey Made, The Shade Room, Black Wall Street Market, IVYL Soaps, Glows Ice Cream, Lyons Bar B Que, Mrs. Bunkins, Brooks Poppin Popcorn, Aminah’s Krafts & Treasurers, Beads by Sis., Nessacadia dog boutique and rice warmers, and more.
Sponsors of the event are BELIGHT Entertainment, The Greenwood Beat, and Oklahoma Birth of Legends. Guthrie Green is a partner.
For more information, visit www.guthriegreen.com and contact (918) 209-1565.
