4th Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference

Hosted by the Hip Hop Studies Program, the 4th Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference will take place November 13–15, 2026 at Howard University. This year’s theme, “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life,” centers the DJ as a foundational force in Hip Hop culture—exploring their influence across music, technology, community, and global cultural production. Starting with kickoff musical event on Friday night, it will be a dynamic weekend of panels, workshops, performances, and conversations with scholars, artists, and practitioners from around the world.