Rap History is an international, educational project promoting the legacy and evolution of hip-hop music around the world and its 40-year-old history. Polish edition of the initiative premiered in 2010 as an extension of the series originated in Zurich. Thanks to the universal language of the Rap History format, it was widely popular, not only in Warsaw but also Prague, Munich, Basel and St. Gallen.
Rap History Warsaw series took the standard club event format a step further. Each party was dedicated to a different year in the history of the genre and accompanied with the release of a special box set including a mixtape CD, an illustrated zine, stickers and the event poster. The shows were regularly joined by hip-hop's legendary, international headliners, such as Phife Dawg, Smif’N’Wessun or Jeru The Damaja. Many of the events featured photography and art exhibitions or film screenings. Rap History Warsaw was also the driving force behind the production of many video pieces, including a full-length documentary "Pionierzy Stylu. Wlodi", dedicated to the story of one of the most influential artists of Polish hip-hop.
The ever-expanding communication around the project and its activities emphasised its accessibility and educational purpose. Across the five years of Rap History Warsaw's activity, the initiative was responsible for over a 100 cultural events attended by tens of thousands of fans and is considered the most successful Rap History format in Europe.
Partners: City of Warsaw, TVN Warszawa, MTV Poland, Radio Roxy, DIIL, Galeria Koloru, Red Bull, Prosto, Puma
photo: Ludwik Lis / archive metarials