Okayplayer Makes Art Basel Debut with Okayplayer House

Legendary HipHop Photographer Danny Hastings to Showcase Exclusive Exhibit of Never-Before-Seen Work

BET To Premiere New Documentary For the Love of Hip Hop Ft. Rakim, MC Lyte, Ice Spice, Jeezy, and more

Panel Discussion Featuring Kimberly Paige + TJ Adeshola, and Live Podcast Recordings of The Almanac of Rap, Hosted by Donwill

(November 25, 2024) Okayplayer has announced its debut at Art Basel Miami on December 5, with the Okayplayer House, a dynamic day-long celebration of Afro-diasporic music, art, and culture. Held at the iconic Red Rooster Overtown, the Okayplayer House is presented in partnership with BET. Through a curated lineup of programming, the Okayplayer House will explore the global impact of Black culture through art, music, and conversation.

At the heart of the Okayplayer House is an exhibit by legendary hip-hop photographer Danny Hastings, featuring never-before-seen photographs alongside some of his most iconic works. Known for his collaborations with RZA, Wu-Tang Clan, and other hip-hop legends, Hastings will transform the second floor of Red Rooster into a darkroom, immersing attendees in his creative process and the artistry of hip-hop photography.

Okayplayer House will also host the world premiere of BET’s new documentary, “For the Love of Hip Hop”, screening exclusively at Red Rooster Overtown. Created as part of BET’s milestone campaign celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the documentary expands upon interviews with over 60 legendary and contemporary artists. Featuring iconic voices like Rakim and MC Lyte, hitmakers such as The Lox, Trina, Ice Spice, and Lola Brooke, and acclaimed lyricists including Rapsody, Jeezy, Joey Bada$$, and Vic Mensa, the short film captures their powerful reflections on hip-hop’s impact. Originally conceived as short-form interstitial content aired throughout 2023, the responses were so evocative that BET produced this expansive original documentary to cement their insights into the culture’s cinematic canon. “For the Love of Hip Hop” stands as a unique, multi-generational tribute to the music and the artists who have defined and advanced the genre.

A panel discussion moderated by Isha Sesay (CEO, Areya Media: Okayplayer, OkayAfrica, & OkayShop) will delve into "The Global Impact of Black Culture," focusing on how Black art, music, and storytelling continue to shape the cultural landscape worldwide. The panel features EVP and Chief Marketing Officer at BET, Kimberly Paige and internationally-recognized media executive TJ Adeshola. 

The day’s programming will also include two live tapings of The Almanac of Rap (hosted by Donwill), the podcast dedicated to documenting hip-hop’s history, artistry, and cultural significance. In the first episode, Hastings will discuss his career, reflecting on his journey as one of the last darkroom photographers in hip-hop culture and his work with some of the genre’s most celebrated figures. The second recording will feature Grammy-winning songwriter Derrick Milano, who will explore the current state of hip-hop and its ongoing evolution. These intimate conversations will bring listeners behind the scenes of hip-hop’s past and present.

As the day transitions into evening, the Okayplayer House will host an exclusive Supper Club, a private, invitation-only dinner bringing together a curated guest list of tastemakers, thought leaders, and cultural influencers in an intimate setting meant to encourage conversation, connection, and celebration. Hosted by Isha Sesay and Kimberly Paige, the dinner will feature Afro-diasporic cuisine and a lively hip-hop trivia session, adding a playful and interactive twist to the evening.

Following dinner, the night continues with cocktails and an international DJ set presented by OkayAfrica. With music curated by Jason Panton, the set will celebrate sounds from across the diaspora, bringing the Okayplayer House’s day of cultural celebration to a joyful and vibrant close.

OKP House Full Schedule for December 5, 2024:

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Music by DJ Epps

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM: The Almanac of Rap Podcast Recording w/ Danny Hastings

1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: The Almanac of Rap Podcast Recording w/ Derrick Milano

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Panel Discussion w/ Kimberly Paige, Yvonne Orji, & TJ Adeshola

3:00 PM: BET’s Premiere of For the Love of Hip Hop

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Danny Hastings’ Photography Exhibit, Latent Images

6:30 PM: Evening Cocktails with DJ Goldie Harris

7:00 PM: Okayplayer Supper Club Dinner

9:00 PM: International DJ Set w/ Jason Panton (Presented by OkayAfrica)

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About Okayplayer

Launched in 1999 by Questlove of The Roots, Okayplayer is the original progressive urban music site and remains the premier digital destination for music culturists worldwide. It delivers a full spectrum of premium music content and entertainment, serving as a gateway to multi-faceted cultures and communities. As the gold standard in music media, Okayplayer defines and creates the cutting edge in sound, art, film, politics, and more. With an influential voice that champions black culture, Okayplayer's global community is equipped with scholarly knowledge in music and culture. Our loyal audience, passionate and socially aware, engages with impactful cultural moments, innovative sounds, and healthy debates, while staying attuned to current events.