Event honors Kool Moe Dee, John Chartier, Robert Taylor, Mr. Wave, Treacherous Three, Marley Marl, Lords Of The Underground, Soul Sonic Force, DJ Jazzy Jay and Fearless Four
The National Hip-Hop Museum (NHHM) will celebrate the season, hip-hop legends and the 40th anniversary of the movie, Beat Street, with an induction/concert/shopping extravaganza. Hip Hop Holiday Honors will take place Saturday, Dec. 28, from 5:00 to 11:30 p.m., at the historic Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Md.
“I can’t think of a better place to hold our largest induction ceremony to date,” said NHHM Founder and Collector Jeremy Beaver. “This is the culmination of five years at the museum of intense work to preserve and establish hip-hop as America’s most important cultural export.”
NHHM Executive Director and Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Master Gee will serve as emcee as the museum inducts Kool Moe Dee, John Chartier, Robert Taylor, Mr. Wave and The Treacherous Three —all featured in Beat Street –along with Marley Marl, Lords Of The Underground, Soul Sonic Force, DJ Jazzy Jay and The Fearless Four into its Hall of Fame.
The evening kicks off at 5:00, when VIP guests can enjoy NHHM’s Pop-Up Retail Experience featuring one-of-a-kind items from The Hip-Hop Shop, including vinyl, sneakers, hats, trading cards, action figures, posters and art. Adding to the excitement will be live hip-hop painting by NHHM Resident Artist Kevin “Scene” Lewis, while Marley Marl and DJ Jazzy Jay will both be spinning.
NHHM Hall of Famer DJ Kool will host the VIP Pop-Up Experience and display his newly received Platinum Award from The RIAA, making him the first-ever Platinum Recording Artist from Washington, D.C. Guests also can watch a 40th anniversary screening of Beat Street and enjoy Kool Moe Dee reenacting the movie’s famous Xmas rap scene. Dinner service will include be food and drink items from the theater, with a holiday-themed menu named and designed by NHHM and printed as center labels on actual 12″ vinyl records.
From 7:00 to 8:00, guests can watch Master Gee lead a podcast with the inductees. The induction ceremony follows at 8:00, when NHHM Historian Jay Quan (noted hip-hop historian, lecturer, narrator and writer) will bestow these legends with a custom trophy, Hall of Fame jacket, commemorative medallion, custom fat lace hat and more swag.
At 9:00, doors open to general admission ticket holders. The concert begins at 9:30 with performances by Soul Sonic Force, The Fearless Four, Lords of The Underground, Kool Moe Dee and The Treacherous Three.
Tickets can be purchased at nationalhiphopmuseum.org as follows:
- General Admission: $75 person for access to the concert
- VIP: $125/person for access to the pop-up retail experience, podcast, induction ceremony and concert
“Bethesda Theater is thrilled to partner with the National Hip-Hop Museum to bring Hip Hop Holiday Honors to our stage. This collaboration is a celebration of hip-hop’s rich legacy, and we’re honored to spotlight the artists and culture that have inspired generations,” said theater owner, Earl Ciccel. “We look forward to an unforgettable evening of music, recognition and community at Bethesda Theater.”
About Bethesda Theater
A National Register of Historic Places landmark, Bethesda Theater seamlessly blends Art Deco design with cutting-edge sound technology and exceptional dining. Designed by the legendary John Eberson and built in 1938, the theater retains its stunning period details while creating an intimate atmosphere for up to 500 guests. With a combination of theater seating and fine dining tables—each offering unobstructed views—every guest is guaranteed an unparalleled live music experience. Powered by an industry-leading L-Acoustics sound system, every performance delivers crystal-clear, immersive audio. A full bar and gourmet kitchen provide guests with an exquisite dining experience to complement world-class entertainment. The theater is located at 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814. For more information, visit bethesdatheater.com.
About The Hip-Hop Shop
The Hip-Hop Shop is the flagship retail and event space of the National Hip-Hop Museum. Open since January, 2023, it features the East Coast’s largest selection of hip-hop memorabilia, including: vintage apparel, sneakers, toys, memorabilia, vinyl and art. The shop is located at 1919 18th Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20019. Merchandise also is available for online purchase at nationalhiphopshop.com.
About The Museum
Launched in 2019, the National Hip-Hop Museum of Washington DC is the world’s first hip-hop museum. As the leading organization in hip-hop preservation, history and education, this 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization comprises The House of Hip-Hop Art Galleries, The Hip-Hop Shop, The Hip-Hop Cafe and The Hip-Hop Museum Pop-Up Experience. Executive director is Master Gee, a multi-platinum recording artist, founder and the voice of the legendary hip-hop group, The Sugarhill Gang.
The centerpiece of the NHHM is a collection of over 5,000 exclusive and authentic pieces of memorabilia, artifacts, posters, sneakers and other rare and historic items representing all aspects of the culture. Drawing on hip-hop’s longstanding tradition of empowerment and social awareness, the NHHM includes a series of community-oriented seminars and workshops focusing on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, health and wellness and social justice. The museum and primary House of Hip-Hop Gallery are located at 2622 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001. The second House of Hip-Hop Gallery is located at 406 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 2001. For more information, visit nationalhiphopmuseum.org.
