The Dr. William Patterson Hip Hop Innovation Center is a collaborative hub for artists, community leaders, educators, scholars, and students to engage and innovate through Hip Hop.
The late Dr. William Patterson was a co-founder and co-director of the Center. We are continually inspired by his model of leadership in our community and on campus as a Hip Hop innovator. Learn more about Dr. Patterson via the Champaign County African American Heritage Trail.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Street College:
Studio Saturdays
Fall 2025 Session
DIRECTORS
Professor Lamont Holden
Director of Artist Development
Professor Pete Shungu
Director of Community Partnerships
Dr. Adam Kruse
Director of Curriculum
COORDINATOR
Dr. Sharon Irish
Interim Coordinator
ASSOCIATED FACULTY & INSTRUCTORS
Eric Brown
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Professor Ja’Naea Modest,
aka DJ Silkee
Adjunct Instructor of Music
COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
DIGITAL MEDIA EXAMPLES
Follow the Hip Hop Innovation Center on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/illinoishiphop/
Campus Culture Podcast
Hip Hop Camp Feature on Prairie Fire presented by Illinois Public Media
PAST EVENTS
Pygmalion Hip Hop Stage
September 21, 2024
The Canopy Club
708 S Goodwin Ave
Urbana, IL
Illinois Hip Hop Camp
July 14-20, 2024
Click here for more information.
Celebration Weekend:
Illini Writing Camp
w/ Tejah G &
Lamont Holden
April 21, 2024
12pm-8pm
Music Building
1114 W Nevada St
Urbana, IL
By invitation only.
Message Tejah G to apply.
Celebration Weekend:
Block Party
The Art of DJing Student Showcase
w/ The Hip Hop Xpress
April 20, 2024
4pm-7pm
Music Building North Entrance
Celebration Weekend:
Hip Hop LEGO Workshop
w/ Randall Wilson
April 20, 2024
12pm-2pm
Music Building
Basement Rm 0324
1114 W Nevada St
Urbana, IL
Click here to register.
Celebration Weekend:
Open Mike Eagle
w/ $imba P & A$AVV
April 19, 2024
10pm
The Canopy Club
708 S Goodwin Ave
Urbana, IL
Click here for tickets.
Celebration Weekend:
Wiki w/ Zen the Rapper
April 19, 2024
7pm
Gallery Art Bar
119 W Main St
Urbana, IL
Click here for tickets.