Presented as part of the True Colors Festival, This is Hip-Hop! is an online panel of nine hip-hop innovators from around the world seeking to overturn negative stereotypes about hip-hop through sharing positive and powerful personal experiences. Expect spirited exchanges about hot button topics like cultural appropriation, diversity and inclusivity, the real reason behind hip-hop’s bad press and real-life stories of hip-hop culture’s role as an agent of social change.

The session will be facilitated by Jonzi D, British hip-hop dance and theater innovator. Jonzi is co-founder of Breakin’ Convention, the world’s largest international hip-hop event. This spoken word artist is credited for raising the profile of British hip-hop and dance since the 1980s and for successfully bringing hip-hop into the theater. As one of 16 Associate Artists at the renowned Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Jonzi D is one of the most exciting talents in the British dance space. In 2011, he was bestowed the title of Member of the British Empire (MBE) – a coveted accolade he chose to turn down on moral grounds.

Jonzi D will be joined by eight panelists, who, like him, have never played it safe. Each has overcome personal social and physical barriers in pursuit of careers in hip-hop music and arts. The other panellists comprises world renowned concert and festival American Sign Language (ASL) interpreterAmber Galloway-Gallego (USA); ILL-ABILITIES™ founder Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli (Canada); rapper Saykoji (Indonesia); rapper and singer Sparsh Shah (USA); creative crew Tamura King (Japan); and rapper, beatboxer, songwriter and music producer Wheelsmith (Singapore).