"The essence of hip hop is you can be who you are. That's the beauty of it."
—Daniel Jones, former Artistic Advisor
In May of 2023, O-pa launched Hip Hop Lab to educate, elevate and amplify the 50-year legacy surrounding the global impact, performance, history, and culture of Hip Hop. Hip Hop Lab will draw in audiences with:
Performances: Through the Hip Hop Lab, O-pa will expand its performance offerings with more Hip Hop programming.
Culture Talks: TEDx Style conversations curated to educate audiences about hip hop history and culture.
Camps: Omaha area youth will get the opportunity to learn and practice the elements of hip hop - DJing, Emceeing, Dance, and Visual Art. Camps are for grades 6-12.
And more!
DProsper !
The internationally-acclaimed music executive, event producer, and founder of the “Soul in the Horn” has produced, collaborated, and worked with Erykah Badu, Janelle Monae, Mos Def, Lauryn Hill, Dead Prez, Tupac Shakur, Yasiin Bey, Rakim, Q-Tip, Anderson Paak, Common, and KING.
Upcoming Events
September 27, 2024 | Culture Talk: Innovation and Influence
Lunch and Learn with Robert Glasper and DProsper
12:00 PM │Holland Center
A new season of Hip Hop Lab kicks off with a culture talk with music giant Robert Glasper before his performance at the Holland Center on September 27. He and Hip Hop Lab Artistic Advisor DProsper will discuss his work as a jazz pianist, producer, and composer, and the influences and innovation of hip hop in the music industry.
This is a choose-what-you-pay event. If cost is a barrier, there is a $0 option.
Get Tickets
September 27 | Robert Glasper After Party
Beats by Kethro
9:30 PM | Holland Center
Stick around after the Robert Glasper performance for a Hip Hop Lab after party DJed by Kethro! A concert ticket is required to attend the after party.
Get Robert glasper tickets
October 9 | Juvenile After Party
with DJ Scottie Pimpin
10:00 PM | Steelhouse Omaha
Stick around after the Juvenile show at Steelhouse for a Hip Hop Lab after party with DJ Scottie Pimpin! A concert ticket is required to attend the after party.
February 20 | Culture Talk: So Fresh & So Clean
7:30 PM | Culxr House (3014 N 24th St.)
Let’s talk hip hop culture through the lens of fashion as panelists discuss the influence and meaning of streetwear.
This is a choose-what-you-pay event. If cost is a barrier, there is a $0 option.
Get Tickets
April 8 | Dance Battle Royale
Featuring Ladies of Hip Hop
6:30 PM | Girls Inc.
Do you have the moves of a champion? Show what you’re made of at the Dance Battle Royale — a night of one-on-one battles in street & hip hop styles of dance including breaking, waacking, voguing, house, popping, and locking. Finalists will compete against Ladies of Hip Hop dancers! More details about how to participate in the battle will be announced closer to the event.
This is a Hip Hop Lab and Voices AMPLIFIED! event. This is a choose-what-you-pay event. If cost is a barrier, there is a $0 option.
get tickets
April 9 | Culture Talk: Speak My Mind
Featuring Ladies of Hip Hop and Rayneesha Yvonne, facilitated by Bianca Harley
7:30 PM | Holland Center
Dance is more than movement—it’s a language that carries stories, culture, and expression. Join the dance collective Ladies of Hip Hop before their performance at the Holland Center on April 10 for a conversation centering BIPOC Women and hip hop culture!
This is a choose-what-you-pay-event. If cost is a barrier, there is a $0 option.
Get tickets
April 10 | Ladies of Hip Hop After Party
9:30 PM | Holland Center
Stick around after the Ladies of Hip Hop performance for a Hip Hop Lab after party! A concert ticket is required to attend the after party.
Get Ladies of Hip Hop Tickets
May 16 | Hip Hop Lab Block Party
7:30 PM | Culxr House/24th Street
Hip Hop Lab Block Party is back with bigger energy as we partner with Culxr House this year! Join us for music, performances, vendors, and good vibes along 24th Street as we wrap up another season of Hip Hop Lab!
This is a choose-what-you-pay event. If cost is a barrier, there is a $0 option.
July 14-18 | Hip Hop Lab Summer Camp
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Holland Center
Students in grades 6–12 can explore hip hop history, dance, DJing, MCing, visual art, and writing with Omaha artists and industry professionals.
Registration is $550 for the 5-day camp. Financial aid is available.
Stay updated on Hip Hop Lab
Get information about more events and registration details by signing up for updates.
Dancer and O-pa Community Engagement Manager Aaron Gregory at the Hip Hop Lab Dance Battle Royale
