Darryl “Cornbread” McCray Comes to the Hip Hop Cultural Summit

Philadelphia graffiti pioneer Darryl “Cornbread” McCray is one of the featured guests at this year's Summit.

Cornbread's story is inseparable from Philadelphia's graffiti history. His writing began appearing across Philadelphia during the 1960s, decades before graffiti became internationally associated with Hip Hop and street culture.

At the Summit, Cornbread will take part in Art As Activism - A Conversation with Darryl “Cornbread” McCray, moderated by graffiti artist, educator and documentarian James Top. A book signing is scheduled immediately following the conversation.

For Philadelphia artists, graffiti writers, Hip Hop historians and anyone interested in the origins of modern graffiti culture, this is an opportunity to experience an important part of Philadelphia cultural history in person.

REGISTER TO SEE CORNBREAD THE LEGEND

The 2026 Hip Hop Cultural Summit places graffiti at the center of a larger conversation about art, identity, community and activism.

Throughout the Delaware Art Museum, attendees will be able to experience performances, conversations and visual art exploring the ways Hip Hop's creative traditions have influenced communities and culture.

The Summit is connected to Walls of Resistance: Art As Activism, an exhibition featuring more than 17 artists and examining graffiti as both an artistic tradition and a form of public expression. The exhibition includes work connected to Cornbread and is curated by mural artist Leon Rainbow. 

This is much more than a panel discussion. The Hip Hop Cultural Summit gives attendees an opportunity to experience Hip Hop culture across multiple disciplines.

Graffiti & Visual Art

Explore the history and continued evolution of graffiti through the Walls of Resistance: Art As Activism exhibition, featuring artists whose work connects aerosol art, public space, history and community.

DJing & Turntablism

Live DJ programming will run throughout the day, including DJ SoulBuck and championship DJ and turntablist DJ Supreme.

DJ Supreme will also present The Art of Turntablist, demonstrating the craft, technique and performance traditions that helped establish DJing as one of Hip Hop's foundational elements.

Breakin & Dance

The Summit includes a special presentation featuring Ladies of Hip Hop, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for women and girls throughout Hip Hop culture.

Their appearance is part of the Summit's LIVE! Music Brunch programming hosted by Roxy Romeo.

Emceeing Battles & Competition

The Culture Restoration Project MC Battle brings live lyricism and competition into the Summit.

The battle is hosted by Champtown, with beats supplied by producer Hezekiah.