Each November, Seattle transforms into a living archive of hip-hop history, rhythm, and resistance. This year, 206 Zulu — the Pacific Northwest’s flagship hip-hop cultural organization — marks another vibrant chapter in that tradition, curating Hip-Hop History Month 2025 with a powerful lineup of performances, workshops, film screenings, and community gatherings across the city.
Since 2007, 206 Zulu has championed the four elements of hip-hop — DJing, MCing, breakdancing, and graffiti art — as tools for education, unity, and empowerment. This year’s celebration continues that mission, bridging generations and highlighting Seattle’s deep roots in hip-hop culture.
🔥 A Full Month of Movement and Memory
Running from November 1–30, 2025, the program features events that span every corner of the culture — from the turntables to the big screen.
The festivities kick off with the Seattle Hip-Hop Film Festival on November 2 at Washington Hall, presented in partnership with Propadata Films. The festival honors hip-hop’s storytelling power through documentaries, shorts, and community discussions about art, activism, and identity.
The week that follows includes The Beat Cypher (Nov 3) and Soulful Mondays, a recurring open-mic and live music series that turns Monday nights into soulful jam sessions for local artists. On November 7, the MAD Krew 30th Anniversary brings together pioneers of Seattle’s breakdancing scene, celebrating three decades of rhythm, resilience, and street style.
Midmonth, on November 8, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) hosts the Hip-Hop History Month Celebration, blending performance and education to honor Seattle’s local legends alongside national icons. Later, on November 20, a special double feature — The Birth of Seattle Rap and An Evening with The Residency in 3-D — dives deep into the city’s musical lineage, tracing how Seattle’s sound evolved from basement cyphers to global recognition.
The celebration continues with the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio on November 21, fusing soul and groove in a nod to hip-hop’s jazz roots, and concludes with a performance by Chimurenga Renaissance & Guests on November 25, closing out the month on a note of reflection, rhythm, and renewal.
🎤 More Than Music — A Cultural Blueprint
Beyond the shows and cyphers, Hip-Hop History Month stands as a reminder of the culture’s role as a community lifeline. From mentorship and creative workshops to youth outreach, 206 Zulu continues to use hip-hop as a language of empowerment — one that speaks to social change, mental wellness, and collective identity.
“Hip-hop has always been about community,” says 206 Zulu founder King Khazm, who’s led the organization since its inception. “These events aren’t just performances; they’re living lessons — ways to connect, educate, and keep the culture evolving.”
🌍 Seattle as a Hip-Hop Hub
Seattle’s hip-hop scene — often overshadowed by coastal giants like New York and L.A. — has long cultivated its own voice, grounded in collaboration, innovation, and social justice. The city’s legacy, from Sir Mix-A-Lot to contemporary acts like DoNormaal and Travis Thompson, continues to thrive under 206 Zulu’s stewardship.
With this year’s theme focused on “Heritage and Healing,” the 2025 program reminds audiences that hip-hop’s history is still being written — one beat, one verse, and one gathering at a time.
For full event listings and details, visit 206Zulu.org.
