More than just

a top 50 list

The Vision

A Life in Hip-Hop is a project and platform about celebrating 50 years of this culture and art form, it’s also about conveying what it looks to fully embody hip-hop as a part of your life’s journey.

Art, Culture & Inspiration

This is more than just a top 50 list, it’s about highlighting artists who’ve been a source of inspiration and chronicling moments in my life that fueled my passion for hip-hop. Here you’ll see conversations and interviews I had the honor of having with such artists as Saul Williams, Souls of Mischief and Richmond CA-based hip-hop artist Mani Draper.

Rap music is probably the most important musical genre ever to convey the lives of Black and Brown people and youth culture, but this art form extends beyond rap. While documenting my personal journey, I realized that community is also equally vital and necessary in defining what hip-hop means to me.

The Talk Show

On August 12, 2023, I sat down with one of my top 50 emcees Mani Draper for a candid conversation celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Filmed by Sean D. Johnson at Kinfolx Cafe in downtown Oakland, CA; co-producer Nia Coats.

A very personal journey through rap music, art, culture and community.

Everybody has their own unique journey, let this project serve as an opportunity for people to reflect on their own relationship to this culture or any genre of music you’re passionate about.