David Banner and Talib Kweli have been tapped to headline the 7th Annual Black August Hip Hop Benefit Concert taking place in New York City on Sunday. The concert is produced by the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. It’s held in August and according to organizers, that particular month should be honored as a time of reflection.
“The first Afrikans were brought to Jamestown as slaves in August of 1619, so August is a month during which Blacks/New Afrikans can reflect on our current situation and our self-determining rights,” the official website for the concert reads.
dead prez, Jean Grae, Saigon and Flo Brown will round out the evening’s performers. Fat Joe, The Roots, Mos Def, Keith Murray and others are previous performers. Surprise guests are known to drop in and participate in the festivities.
In addition to the traditional U.S. show, an international show will take place August 14th in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Previous international shows took place in Cuba and South Africa. The concept of Black August originated in the California penal system and the history and ideology was conceived by Khatari Gaulden, leader of the prison movement group Black Guerilla Family.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling 212.307.7171
I notice David Banner is not on the flyer, dunno if that means he dropped out.. should be worth seeing either way though.