Donate Today And Help Us Reach Our $10,000 Goal
Please help The Hip-Hop Foundation by supporting our performing arts charity. You can donate any amount you can. Your gift will help us create a free hip-hop after school program for the underserved youth in Philadelphia. This will be our first major project and it will make a huge impact in the community. So, by donating you are help us make history! We will also use your donations to create non-profit video documentaries that tell the stories of our community and to host fundraising events for other community charities. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, with your name and email, and tell your friends and family about The Hip-Hop Foundation. Send a Link!
THE HIP HOP FOUNDATION IS AN OFFICIAL 501(3) NON-PROFIT ORG. IRS TAX #85-2472261
About The Hip Hop Foundation
We Are Hip Hop In Philadelphia
inspiring community growth through music & entertainment
Our track record in Hip Hop activism began in 2004 with a radio show called, The IIour Show (pronounced Two-Our-Show, Uncut). We began on the non profit radio station WPEB 88.1fm in West Philadelphia, broadcasting classic Hip Hop & indie artists every Monday 8pm-10pm. Since then we have broadcasted from multiple radio stations like WNJC 1360, Philadelphia’s renaissance station, for 7 years, and now on U.T.M. Radio in Philadelphia for 9 years and counting. Along with hosting, sponsoring and planning 100’s of events and concert series, our foundation has supported non profits, local business's local artists, publicists, photographers, event planners, and more by providing a platform to showcase their talents, not only locally but nationwide. On August 11th 2020 we became an official 501c3 non profit charity based organization.
We are a small non profit organization based in Philadelphia whose goal is to use the power of Hip Hop culture to influence positive change in urban communities. Our mission is, “Inspiring community growth through music & entertainment”. One way we do this is through the creation of awareness events & concerts that are sponsored by local businesses, showcasing prominent independent artists in the area and beyond to help get the word out about a cause. These events bring, sponsor, donors, volunteers, & more together in a collaborative environment with music, food, entertainment and education. Our work spans over 15 years of excellence in community entertainment and event planning and hosting. Here are some community events we have supported, created, sponsored and hosted;
The Lyrically Fit Charity Concert Returns
Lyrically Fit is a legendary independent artist concert series in Philadelphia Pa, showcasing Hip Hop, Reggae, R&B acts and poets. The Lyrically Fit Concert has been a monthly event from 2007-2016. UTM Radio has recently rebooted the iconic event on July 10th 2019 with rave reviews. Lyrically Fit is a staple in the Philly & New Jersey hip hop community, and has graced 100’s of performers on its stage. Lyrically Fit has headlined and showcased famous Hip Hop artists such as Camp Lo, Digable Planets, Smiff N Wessun, Onyx, Jeru The Damaja, Masta Ace, Brand Nubians and more! Lyrically Fit is dedicated to giving performing artists a platform to develop their art while performing in front of a large engaging crowd. All artists performing in the Lyrically Fit Concerts receive multiple radio spins, music video promotions and interviews on U.T.M. Radio.
Join the reimagined Lyrically Fit Concert Series, a monthly celebration of independent Hip Hop culture and community impact. Held every first Saturday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, starting July 2025, this dynamic event spotlights lyrical mastery while raising funds for vital community programs. Lyrically Fit will directly donate and support the youth program, “How Dope Are You?”, a monthly open mic series organized by the, Blackwell Culture Alliance in Philadelphia, aiming to provide a platform for young hip hop artists to express themselves creatively while promoting anti-gun violence messages. Founded by community leader Sajda "Purple" Blackwell, the event challenges participants to perform without using curse words and to address the issue of gun violence through their music. Winners receive a $1,000 prize, encouraging positive artistic expression. The event fosters a supportive environment, beginning with a "healing circle" where survivors and families affected by gun violence share their experiences.
AirPlay Concert Event Live @Dahlak Paradise
Since its inception in 2011, the AirPlay Concert Series has become an essential platform for rising independent artists to gain visibility and connect with wider audiences. Now in its 13th year, AirPlay has provided countless up-and-coming talents with the chance to showcase their skills, secure airplay on independent radio stations and podcasts, and build a presence in the indie music scene. This vibrant event features a charismatic indie radio personality as host and a skilled DJ who energizes the atmosphere, creating an unforgettable live experience for both the artists and audience.
AirPlay is more than just a stage; it’s a thriving community where artists and hip-hop enthusiasts come together to celebrate creativity and self-expression. For many emerging artists, AirPlay offers a critical outlet that supports mental health and personal growth by allowing them to share their stories through music—a powerful tool for combating stress, anxiety, and depression. By participating in AirPlay, artists experience encouragement and support, while audiences are uplifted by the positive energy of live performances.
The AirPlay Concert Series is a project of the Hip Hop Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and cultivating the culture of Hip Hop in Philadelphia. Our goal this year is to raise $12,000 to fund free performances in Philadelphia’s parks, recreation centers, and local business venues, bringing live music experiences to communities that would otherwise not have access to them.
Through these concerts, we are not only promoting artistic talent but also nurturing a network of collaboration between local nonprofits, small businesses, and performers. By creating this ecosystem of support, AirPlay actively strengthens Philadelphia’s arts community and enhances neighborhood events, inspiring residents to engage with and support the arts.
Street Art Achievement Awards
Honoring Philadelphia's Street Art Pioneers on September 20th, the iconic Cornbread, also known as Darryl McCray, hosted the 2nd Annual Pioneers of Philly Street Art award ceremony, famously known as “The Cornbread Achievement Awards.” This prestigious event was moderated and hosted by Executive Director of The Hip Hop Foundation, Zakariya “T.H.E.” Hardin. Held at The Rotunda in University City, Philadelphia. This ceremony shined a spotlight on the trailblazers of Philadelphia’s vibrant street art scene. These individuals have not only shaped the landscape of Philadelphia's street art but have also inspired countless artists and enthusiasts. This award ceremony was not just about honoring individuals but also about recognizing the broader cultural significance of hip hop’s artistic elements. From Street Art to DJing, these art forms have given voice to the marginalized and have fostered a sense of community and identity. By celebrating these pioneers, we inspire the next generation to explore their creativity and learn from Philadelphia’s rich hip hop history and roots.
Understanding and appreciating this history is crucial for the younger generation. It allows them to grow within the culture, drawing inspiration from the past to innovate for the future. The Cornbread Street Art Achievement Awards serve as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the legacy of Philadelphia’s hip hop and street art pioneers continues to inspire and flourish.
Internships & Volunteer Opportunities
Have you every wanted to work in radio, TV & entertainment? Have you ever wanted to host events, concerts, festivals, and charity fundraisers? Perhaps you enjoy photography, videography & film? The Hip Hop Foundation Of Philadelphia needs your help & expertise! We are offering volunteer and internship opportunities for people interested in Grant Writing, Photography, Videography, Event Planning/Venue Booking, & more. These opportunities are perfect for college students, community, community activists, professionals in the non-profit sector, AND PEOPLE LIKE YOU! If you don't see a volunteer or internship your interested in but you still want to volunteer, just email us at hiphop@phillyhiphopfoundation.org and tell us what you would like to do.