As Hip-Hop celebrates 50 years, the Rock The Bells Festival, in collaboration with Walmart Makers Studio, is turning the spotlight on the creative minds behind Hip-Hop’s cultural movement – the makers and ardent fans who always knew the genre would transcend generations. The partnership honors those who have driven Hip-Hop's journey, showing appreciation for their contribution and influence on the genre.
Black & Unlimited: Amplifying Potential with Walmart Makers Studio
Walmart Makers Studio is an integral part of Walmart's 'Black & Unlimited' platform, a tribute and daily celebration of the infinite potential within the Black community. 'Black & Unlimited' seeks to create lasting equity by amplifying the voices of these incredible individuals in the cultural landscape.
Immersive Celebrations at Rock The Bells: Walmart Makers Studio Activation
During the Rock The Bells Festival, Walmart Makers Studio will honor the makers, supporters, and fans who have shaped Hip-Hop's half-century legacy. The studio offers a platform for immersion and interaction with the culture through five carefully curated modules: The Sneaker Salon, The Tagging Table, The Studio, and The Stoop.
Plug In, Turn Up: The Sneaker Salon, The Tagging Table, The Studio, The Refresh, and The Stoop
The Sneaker Salon, run by Waleed Cope, co-founder and CEO of The Soap Box, offers festival-goers a hub for sneaker care and knowledge. Once their footwear is looking fresh, they can head over to The Refresh, where they'll find a suite of Black-owned hair and skincare products from Walmart and P&G, designed to help them withstand the festival's hustle and bustle and keep them feeling refreshed all day long.
Taking a turn to street art, The Tagging Table invites attendees to engage with Hip-Hop's vibrant visual aspect, encouraging local artists to leave their mark by live tagging Walmart merchandise. The Studio, on the other hand, shines a light on the influence of Hip-Hop photographers by providing festival-goers with a chance to get their own contact sheet-inspired photos that could rival any Hip-Hop album cover.
And for those seeking a moment of chill, The Stoop stands ready. This laid-back lounge space, reminiscent of the community gathering points – the stoops that have been an integral part of the Hip-Hop culture and New York City's vibrant scene, offers an authentic backdrop for relaxation and connection. As the sun shines and the music pulses, guests can enjoy the good vibes on these iconic steps.
Through the Walmart Makers Studio, Walmart, in conjunction with the Rock The Bells Festival, is not only commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop but also underlining the importance of the Black creatives who have been instrumental in the genre's rise.
Experience the Festival Remotely: Exclusive Merch Drops by Walmart, RTB, and NTWRK
If you can’t attend the festival in Forest Hills, no worries. Walmart and Rock The Bells have extended their experience to the digital sphere through a strategic partnership with NTWRK, North America's leading livestream shopping platform. As part of the celebration marking Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary, they have collaborated with Brooklyn-based artist Adrian Brandon for an exclusive merch drop on the NTWRK app. The event is scheduled for 8/4 at 4pm PT/7pm ET. With his art spanning various mediums including digital, paint and ink, Brandon expands the narrative of the Black experience and resonates with themes of pride, peace, and protest. This initiative embodies NTWRK's ethos of "Shopping At The Speed of Culture," promising unique experiences that reflect the essence of the festival.
As we honor Hip-Hop's golden anniversary, this collaboration reminds us that the genre is more than just music - it's an innovative and dynamic culture that has continuously pushed boundaries. Whether in person at Rock The Bells or virtually via NTWRK, fans worldwide can join in the celebration, underscoring the unity that Hip-Hop fosters across the globe. This is a milestone, but it's also a stepping stone - the beat goes on, and so does the limitless creativity and influence of Hip-Hop culture.
