Common and Ludacris Drop Knowledge at the Hip Hop 101 Music & Arts Festival

The MC. The DJ. The breakdancer. The graffiti artist. No matter how many platinum albums (or platinum chains) your favorite rapper may possess, it still comes back to those four basic elements of hip-hop. At the Hip Hop 101 Music & Arts Festival, the components, the culture and the soul of hip-hop were on full display. Creating a platform that embraces hip-hop's culture and unity through the expression of music, graffiti, visual and performing arts, Hip Hop 101 took over the L.A. Sports Arena for a night of riveting performances and a star-studded good time.

“I’m not really trying to school, I’m just here to enjoy and be creative and inspire people,” said Common. The event was especially uplifting thanks to the current administration in Washington. “When you have a president who knows who Jay-Z is and who knows who Common is and listens to Kanye — it’s incredible.”

Hosted by Common and fellow hip-hop star Ludacris, and with a show-stopping performance by Janelle Monae, the evening was a unique celebration of hip-hop culture. Fellow rap stars Xzibit and DJ Muggs were on hand, along with singer-songwriter LeToya Luckett and sports personality John Salley.

“I wanted to see what it was like,” said Salley. “And every time I hear my man Luda and Common [are] supporting something, I show up.” –todd williams