2026 Hip Hop Studies Conference

Join us for the 4th Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference, where we’ll center the DJ as a foundational force in Hip Hop culture

Call for Submissions: https://bit.ly/HUHHSCall4Proposals

Submissions due June 1. Notifications will be sent out in mid-June.

The 4th Annual Hip Hop Studies Conference at Howard University is an interdisciplinary gathering of artists, scholars, students, industry professionals, and Hip Hop heads committed to exploring the culture, history, and future of Hip Hop. Taking place November 13–15, 2026, the conference creates a vibrant space for intellectual exchange, creative expression, and community building.

The conference is 3 days of panels, interactive workshops, performances, film screenings, and networking. Attendees connect across disciplines, share research and creative work, and engage with conversations shaping Hip Hop culture today.

Conference Theme

Respect the Technique: “Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”

This year’s theme centers the DJ as a foundational force in Hip Hop culture. The conference highlights the artistry, innovation, and cultural impact of DJs and producers across generations and global contexts. From the origins of Hip Hop to the digital age, DJs and producers have shaped sound, community, and cultural movements in profound ways.