A youth competition to create Rap lyrics for 4 compositions that discuss the African origins and interconnectedness of humanity, spirit and the universe. This 21st-Century performance ritual explores interconnection between the concepts of creativity, the universe and socio-culture. Presented by UCSC Arts Division, Hesterian Musicism, Hip Hop Congress, California Alliance of African-American Educators, and Interdisciplinary Artists Aggregation.

Finalists will receive $250 each to perform with the experimental jazz ensemble Hesterian Musicism on concert performances at the University of California Santa Cruz (April 20, 2018 at UCSC) and at Eastside Arts Alliance in Oakland (April 22, 2018).

1. Contestants are presented with a short essay on evolutionary human and cultural history to read. 

2. Contestants will then create a 3-5 minute written rap “story” on any aspect of that history by 2/1/2018 for first round evaluation. Submissions must be in MP3 or MP4 format. Any written material must be submitted as a PDF.

3. After the first-round evaluation semifinalits will be announed by 2/8/2018. They will then be supplied with 4 different original recorded beats.  Each semi-finalist must choose one of the four beats to serve as their rap background. Semifinalists will then record their raps and submit them by midnight 3/1/2018.

4. Winners will be announced on 3/12/2018.

Applications closed on February 1, 2018 for this year's contest. Semi-finalists will be announced on February 8th and winners on March 12th.

HIP HOP CONGRESS, Rahman Jamaal Mc, Executive Director

Founded in 2001: The Hip Hop Congress mission is to use Hip Hop culture to inspire young people to get involved in social action, civic service, and cultural creativity. Its Chapter Program develops chapters at universities, high schools and in communities. HHC chapters engage in a range of activities promoting hip hop culture on their campuses or in their communities. Its Artist Program is designed to help artists pool resources, sell music and take advantage of all the opportunities the music industry has to offer without giving away the rights to their works in return. It strives to create an international web of resources and contacts for its artist members. As a national and international organization dedicated to its mission, Hip Hop Congress has chosen Education as a central initiative promoted by its artists, chapters, partners, and donors. As the educational system continues to fail American students (particularly low-income and students of color), more and more institutions are looking to independent contractors and consultants for alternative curriculum to address the current education crisis. The addition of Urban Arts into outreach at youth centers and events, as well as generational shifts in educators is becoming all the more common and effective in reaching youth in need. HHC is constantly looking to work with those developing programs that utilize Hip Hop as a positive motivational and academic tool.

Alliance of African-American Educators, Debra Watkins, President, California

The California Alliance of African American Educators [CAAAE] consists of six regions - the Bay Area, the Valley (Fresno/Bakersfield), San Diego, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and Sacramento/Stockton. The mission of the California Alliance of African American Educators [CAAAE] is to provide programs and services to students, families, and teachers in order to create culturally conscious African American students who are life-long learners and critical thinkers. California Alliance of African American Educators membership is open to public and private school educators, administrators, board trustees, college and university staff, program developers, support providers, undergraduate and graduate students, parents, community stakeholders, civic leaders and corporate representatives.

Interdisciplinary Artists Aggregation, Inc.

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