Where to See a Hip Hop Show in New York?

What Is Hip Hop?

• Hip Hop is a music style born in New York, in the Bronx, in the early 1970s. Young African Americans created this form of expression, and it remains the signature of Bronx youth today.
• Hip Hop combines rap music with break dancing, a style of dance built on acrobatic moves strung together. It’s spectacular!

Where to See Hip Hop in New York

Here’s the thing: you don’t go to Hip Hop—Hip Hop comes to you! 🙂 Young performers earn some extra cash by performing at New York’s popular tourist spots. Here are the main places where you’re likely to catch a Hip Hop group:

• In front of City Hall, near the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. The sidewalk here is wide enough to serve as an impromptu stage, and break dancers know they’ll have an audience thanks to the constant flow of people crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.
• In Battery Park, in front of Castle Clinton. Castle Clinton is where ferries depart for the Statue of Liberty. It’s a strategic spot for Hip Hop groups looking to gain exposure and earn some money.
• On Times Square. The world’s most famous intersection also draws young performers from the Bronx. Head to the pedestrian area south of Times Square, near the police station.
• In Central Park on weekends. I caught a Hip Hop performance at Bethesda Terrace, the fountain esplanade. It’s no accident this spot is popular—it’s both highly trafficked and spacious enough to serve as a stage.
• In Washington Square Park. A hub for alternative culture, Washington Square Park is a natural stage for Hip Hop fans.
• On Union Square. This busy plaza is another favorite spot for Hip Hop groups. Union Square is also a major subway stop on lines serving the Bronx.
• In the New York subway. You’ll find performers in major stations, especially Times Square. I’ve also seen Hip Hop performances inside subway cars themselves, with dancers using the handrails for acrobatic moves—a risky move given how much the train shakes!

Tips for Catching a Hip Hop Performance

• Young performers won’t perform in the rain—they don’t want to get soaked. The better the weather, the better your chances of catching an impromptu show.
• Performers usually stick to weekends to maximize their audience. This is especially true in Central Park and on Union Square. Don’t expect to see Hip Hop on a Monday morning at 9 am.
• If you watch a performance, tip $1 or $2 per person. These young artists perform to share their passion, but they also rely on tips to earn money.
• After the show, feel free to chat with the performers. They’ll tell you about the Bronx and their view of New York. They’ll ask where you’re from. It’s a great way to connect with New Yorkers—and that’s part of what makes a New York trip special! 🙂
• Another place to keep in mind: the Hip Hop Museum. This museum, opening in the Bronx, features an auditorium and will host concerts throughout the year.