(NEWARK, NJ) -- New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) presents represent! social Justice through spoken word with some of the most influential Hip Hop artists. It's going to be one special night in Newark with Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, MC Lyte, Dupré Doitall Kelly, DJ Spinna, Caridad De La Luz (La Bruja), Mahogany L. Browne, and Tyehimba Jess  as they all take to the state on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8:00pm.

MCs and poets unite at Dodge Poetry Festival for this celebration of the spoken word as a catalyst for social justice.

Rakim, the influential rapper and “inventor of flow,” first exploded onto the scene with Eric B. is President and raised the bar for all future MCs.

Big Daddy Kane, formerly of the Juice Crew, is known for his lyrical dexterity on songs like “Young, Gifted and Black,” “Ain’t No Half-Steppin’,” “Raw,” “Smooth Operator” and “Set It Off.”

MC Lyte, the first female rapper to release a full solo album, dominates the mic on “Ruffneck,” “Cha Cha Cha,” “Poor Georgie,” “Lyte as a Rock,” “10% Dis” and “Paper Thin.”

Dupré DoItAll Kelly transformed his platinum-selling music career into political activism. He currently represents Newark’s West Ward as their councilman.

DJ Spinna is producer and remixer for De La Soul, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Eminem and his groups Jigmastas, Polyrhythm Addicts and Domecrackers.

Caridad De La Luz, aka LA BRUJA, is an Emmy-winning poet, activist, actor and current executive director of the famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe.

Mahogany L. Browne is a poet and organizer whose books include Vinyl Moon, Chlorine Sky, Black Girl Magic and banned books Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice and Woke Baby.

Tyehimba Jess is the author of Leadbelly and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Olio. Widely published and anthologized, his many honors include fellowships from Guggenheim and NEA.

The general on-sale for this one special night of spoken word  is Friday, August 30th at 10am. Tickets can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located at One Center Street in downtown Newark, N.J., is America’s most diverse performing arts center, and the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey – where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day. NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city. Through its extensive Arts Education programs, which have reached almost 2 million children, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. NJPAC has attracted more than 10 million visitors since opening its doors in 1997, and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents.