STLF Culture Equity Program

You Must Learn:

A Discussion About Cleveland’s Hip-Hop Cultural History.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Cleveland was home to one of the most fertile hip-hop cultural arts scenes in the country. From the rap music of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to the graffiti artistry of Ranger and Sano to DJ Crews like Johnny O and the Sorcerer Crew to dance groups like Illstyle Rockers and the Step Off Crew, Northeast Ohio's hip-hop roots run deep. Despite this rich history, many of Cleveland's most important hip-hop cultural forebears are little known. Their artistry documented local historical sites, influential figures, and the relevant moments that gave rise to a global culture, so how is it that so many have been forgotten?

Developed by Cleveland’s own hip-hop cultural trailblazer and thought-leader Daniel Gray-Kontar, You Must Learn is Spread the Love Foundation’s cultural equity program. STLF facilitates conversations about the who, what, when, where, why and how with some of Cleveland's true legends of "Thieveland" hip hop. During these panel discussions, we learn more about Cleveland's history through the lens of hip hop and document Cleveland's rich cultural legacies.

You Must Learn Events & Panelists:

Event: Cleveland Foundation’s Common Ground Series - When: July 30, 2021

Host: Third Space Action Lab

Panelist:
Grand Wizard DJ Johnny O
Neesie Dee
Sano (Cleveland Skribe Tribe)
Suave Gotti
Panel Moderator: Daniel Gray-Kontar

Event: You Must Learn Panel Discussion

When: April 5, 2022

Where: Cuyahoga County Public Library (virtually)

Panelist:
MC Chill
Lady Skill
Mecca Sunshine
Dayz Whun (Cleveland Skribe Tribe)
Needle Poke (Cleveland Skribe Tribe)
Panel Moderator: Daniel Gray-Kontar

Event: You Must Learn Panel Discussion

When: May 5, 2022

Host: Cuyahoga County Public Library (virtually)

Panelist:
Big Mucci
Al Porter
DJ Ivory Chatmon (United Skates of America)
Chap (Step Off Crew)
Panel Moderator: Daniel Gray-Kontar

Event: BLK Joy Festival

When: October 8, 2022

Host: Twelve Literary Arts

Panelist:
Grand Wizard DJ Johnny O
Suave Gotti
Lady Skill
Mecca Sunshine
Panel Moderator: D. Lorand

STLF Culture Equity Program

You Must Learn:

A Discussion About Cleveland’s Hip-Hop Cultural History.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Cleveland was home to one of the most fertile hip-hop cultural arts scenes in the country. From the rap music of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to the graffiti artistry of Ranger and Sano to DJ Crews like Johnny O and the Sorcerer Crew to dance groups like Illstyle Rockers and the Step Off Crew, Northeast Ohio's hip-hop roots run deep. Despite this rich history, many of Cleveland's most important hip-hop cultural forebears are little known. Their artistry documented local historical sites, influential figures, and the relevant moments that gave rise to a global culture, so how is it that so many have been forgotten?

Developed by Cleveland’s own hip-hop cultural trailblazer and thought-leader Daniel Gray-Kontar, You Must Learn is Spread the Love Foundation’s cultural equity program. STLF facilitates conversations about the who, what, when, where, why and how with some of Cleveland's true legends of "Thieveland" hip hop. During these panel discussions, we learn more about Cleveland's history through the lens of hip hop and document Cleveland's rich cultural legacies.

You Must Learn Events & Panelists:

Event: Cleveland Foundation’s Common Ground Series

When: July 30, 2021

Host: Third Space Action Lab

Panelist:
Grand Wizard DJ Johnny O
Neesie Dee
Sano (Cleveland Skribe Tribe)
Suave Gotti
Panel Moderator: Daniel Gray-Kontar

Event: You Must Learn Panel Discussion

When: April 5, 2022

Where: Cuyahoga County Public Library (virtually)

Panelist:
MC Chill
Lady Skill
Mecca Sunshine
Dayz Whun (Cleveland Skribe Tribe)
Needle Poke (Cleveland Skribe Tribe)
Panel Moderator: Daniel Gray-Kontar

Event: You Must Learn Panel Discussion

When: May 5, 2022

Host: Cuyahoga County Public Library (virtually)

Panelist:
Big Mucci
Al Porter
DJ Ivory Chatmon (United Skates of America)
Chap (Step Off Crew)
Panel Moderator: Daniel Gray-Kontar

Event: BLK Joy Festival

When: October 8, 2022

Host: Twelve Literary Arts

Panelist:
Grand Wizard DJ Johnny O
Suave Gotti
Lady Skill
Mecca Sunshine
Panel Moderator: D. Lorand

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