To commemorate the 40th anniversary of what's perhaps the most pivotal song in Hip-Hop history, 1982's "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, Grandmaster Melle Mel of The Furious Five will be hosting a series of lectures.

This presentation, The 40th Anniversary of “The Message” and the Birth of Socially Conscious Hip-Hop, will be held at Emerson College and hosted by the Grandmaster and ROCK THE BELLS writer and the official historian for the Hip Hop Museum in D.C., Jay Quan. The event will serve as an overview of Melle Mel’s impact on rap music in general, and socially conscious rap specifically. The emphasis of the presentation will focus on Grandmaster’s early usage of graphic social commentary starting with 1979’s “Superappin’” where he first revealed his “child is born” verse which later served as the final verse on “The Message.”

"As we sit at the 40th anniversary of 'The Message' as a groundbreaking song, and at the eve of the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop as a culture, the examination of Grandmaster Melle Mel and the poetic value that he brought to the genre is of utmost importance," Jay Quan explains.

The discussion will be preceded by a segment called Showcase of the Culture, which will feature graffiti, photography, fashion and live art by Kyd Goku. There will also be live performances by The Floor Lords & Tufts Breaking Team with performances by Termanology and Oompa. 

The event takes place on Wednesday, November 30th at Emerson College’s Bill Bordy Theater located at 216 Tremont Street in Boston. This event is free and open to the public however tickets must be secured in advance on Eventbrite.