DPBell & Associates Creates Successful Communications Campaign Launch that Celebrates 50 Years of Hip Hop at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY

**Client:** KRS-One and 1520 Sedgwick avenue, the birthplace of Hip Hop

In 2023, the world witnessed the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, a cultural phenomenon that began in the Bronx, New York. DPBell & Associates was hired to develop and execute a multiplatform communications strategy that paid homage to the place where Hip Hop was born.

Objective

To create a compelling narrative of events that garner global media attention that celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. DPBell & Associates collaborated with KRS-One, community leaders and Hip Hop legends to create a powerful global campaign that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop. In a multitude of events, 1520 Sedgwick was centered as the celebration to bring together artists, musicians, and enthusiasts from around the globe to commemorate the enduring impact of Hip Hop on culture and society.

Strategy

• Identfied and Engaged: DPBell & Associates identified and engaged Hip Hop legends for events, meeting sand interviews. DPBell & Associates recognized the significance of engaging Hip Hop pioneers like KRS-One, DJ Kool Herc, and others to lend authenticity and credibility to the history and relevance of Hip Hop. DPBell & Associates engaged with Hip Hop legends and Icons to capture the momentum of the movement.
• Multi-Channel Marketing: DPBell & Associates leveraged various marketing channels such as social media, website, and traditional media, to ensure that all the event’s messages reached a diverse global audience.
• Storytelling and Partnerships: DPBell & Associates highlighted the historical importance of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, emphasizing its role as the birthplace of Hip Hop and its preservation as an affordable housing and community center securing public comments and quotes/interviews from Mayor Eric Adams, Elder Kurtis Blow, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the White House.
• Online Presence: DPBell & Associates managed the event’s online presence through a dedicated website (https://birthplaceofhiphop.nyc). Regular updates, artist profiles, and event details were shared to engage the audience.

Results

• Global Reach: Through effective promotion and engagement, the event’s live webcast and multiple press events and Block Party, attracted millions of viewers from across the world, breaking geographical boundaries and emphasizing Hip Hop’s global impact.
• Cultural Legacy: The celebration served as a testament to the cultural power of Hip Hop, celebrating its history, resilience, and influence on society over five decades. In conclusion, DPBell & Associates successfully executed a global campaign that celebrated 50 years of Hip Hop at its birthplace, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. Through storytelling, strategic partnerships, and online engagement, the event united Hip Hop enthusiasts worldwide, highlighting the enduring cultural impact of this iconic genre.