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.