Hip Hop DNA is a live show that explores the evolution and interconnectedness of 100 years of American music and dance, while paying homage to the roots and influence of African, Latin, Eastern, and European traditions. With a 10-piece live band, and a large cast of dancers and guest vocalists, songs are presented in the form of medleys, mashups, and reinterpretations that focus on popular hip hop/rap songs from the 1980s to present day, and the blues, jazz, soul, funk, disco, and traditional songs that were sampled to create those hits. The show is an entertaining, emotional, and educational live experience for people of all ages, backgrounds, and tastes. 

Hip Hop DNA premiered September 13, 2019 at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts in Milwaukee, WI. It was presented by Black Arts MKE at Vogel Hall.  

Artists with music featured in the show include James Brown, George Clinton, Nina Simone, Harry Belafonte, Kraftwerk, Blondie, Diana Ross, A Tribe Called Quest, Kanye West, Missy Elliott, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, Dr. Dre, and more.  

The show is about cross-cultural understanding and multiculturalism, which is seen and heard in the dance and music, and also in the performers themselves who represent countries including Armenia, Ethiopia, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama, and Puerto Rico. 

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