The 7th Annual MC Sha Rock Day returns to GunHill Playground in Hip-Hop's birthplace, The Bronx on June 7, 2025 from 2PM-7PM. This free community cultural event celebrates the enduring legacy of MC Sha Rock, Hip-Hop's first female MC with a powerful lineup of performances, community engagement and cultural education.

This year's theme pays tribute to the B-Boys and Girls of the culture, honoring the pioneers of the dance culture which shaped the global Hip-Hop movement. Attendees will experience dynamic dance showcases, historical tributes, and interactive elements which highlight the roots and evolution of breakdancing.

Grammy Award winning MC and Rock The Bells Radio personality Roxanne Shante will serve as host for the event, bringing her iconic voice and dynamic energy to the celebration.

This years festival will feature: Live performances from DJs, emcees, and dancers, family-friendly activities and cultural education, local food and merchandise vendors, and special guests from Hip Hop’s founding generations. This community-driven event is free and open to the public. All are welcome to join in a day of music, movement, and celebration.

MC Sha Rock is responsible for many firsts in Hip-Hop. Originally a B-Girl, she first experienced Hip-Hop in 1975 during her 8th grade year of high school when she saw Kool Herc. "I used to go to the B-Boy parties at the P.A.L. (Police Athletic League) where they played 'Bongo Rock,' 'Sex Machine' and stuff like that," she explained to The Foundation.

She auditioned for DJ Breakout of The Brothers Disco for his new group which only contained KK Rockwell and Keith Caesar as members, and she made the cut. Sha has been featured in movies, released many recordings and rocked stages around the world.

Sha was a member of The Funky 4, and The Funky 4 + 1, the first mixed gender MC crew, and the first to appear on national television with their 1981 performance of "That's The Joint" on Saturday Night Live. The Funky 4 also released the first rap recording on Bobby Robinson's Enjoy records with 1979's "Rappin' And Rockin' The House" before signing to Sugar Hill Records where they released "That's The Joint", "Do You Want To Rock", and "Feel It (The Mexican)". Sha Rock also appeared in the seminal Hip-Hop film Beat Street as a member of Us Girls.

In other Sha Rock news, the "I Cant Be Stopped" Annual scholarship Fund is in its second year. The fund awards a one-time scholarship of $1000 to graduating seniors at High School for Contemporary Arts on the Evander Childs campus in The Bronx. MC Sha-Rock attended Evander Childs before her musical career took off with the Funky 4+1, one of the first MC crews in The Bronx.

Graduating seniors of High School for Contemporary Arts with a demonstrated interested in pursuing a career in the arts can apply at https://bronxhistory.org/sharock.

Deadline for applications is May 16, 2024. Awardee will be honored at an assembly at HSCA on May 22, 2025, with a special guest appearance by MC Sha-Rock!