Event

August 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. In celebration of this art form, SVA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will be hosting several events in the coming months.

DJ Workshop

On Wednesday, July 19, 4:00pm, at the College’s 3rd-floor amphitheater at 209 East 23rd Street, we will be conducting a workshop on the art of DJing with award-winning and legendary DJ and producer DJ Scratch. If you are or are considering becoming a DJ, this is the perfect workshop for you. DJ Scratch will teach you aspects of the history of DJing and the art of turntablism, and the techniques of scratching that made him famous.

Please register as soon as possible, as space is limited.

Freestyle MC Competition

In addition to the DJ Workshop, there will also be a freestyle MC competition on July 19, with prizes for the first-, second- and third-place winners. Be sure to sign in at the sign-up area upon your arrival, and register in advance for your attendance here, as space is limited.

Your topic will have to be related to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop (its history, culture, significance, etc.). Rules for the competition will be provided on the day of the event.

About DJ Scratch

DJ Scratch’s illustrious career spans over three decades. From being the opening act for Run-DMC and the third member of EPMD in the ’80s, to producing eight platinum albums and earning three Grammy nominations for his work with Busta Rhymes in the ’90s, to touring as the DJ for Jay Z in the early 2000s and the opening act for Beyoncé.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Scratch is considered in the hip-hop world as a five-star general. He is a two-time World Champion DJ, Grammy winner and the first recipient (and three-time winner) of the Global Spin Awards “Turntablist Of The Year” Award. In 2016, Scratch achieved the highest honor a DJ can receive by being knighted a Grandmaster by DJ Kool Herc, known as the father of hip-hop. While his status in hip-hop is undeniable, his talent, brand and influence extend far beyond the turntables.