NJPAC: Slick Rick and Rakim are taking over Garden State’s low-key best intimate venue this week

Feel like turning up in the Garden State stomping grounds this week? Look no further than one of my all-time favorite venues - New Jersey Performing Arts Center - with rap icons Slick Rick and Rakim taking over for a one-night special.

NJPAC welcomes Slick Rick and Rakim to the big stage

Forget Madison Square Garden and the Prudential Center tomorrow night - how about getting a more intimate and special setting from Newark? Peep the deets and turn up with the star-studded hip-hop royalty line-up.

Experience an inspiring evening at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) with "Social Justice Through Spoken Word." Join iconic hip hop legends Chuck D from Public Enemy, Rakim, Slick Rick, DJ Spinna, the powerful Tyehimba Jess, the passionate Nuyorican Slam Poetry Team, Raina Simone, and more as they unite on stage to elevate voices and ignite meaningful change on Thursday, November 20th, at 8:00 p.m.

Chuck D, the rapper, songwriter, frontman of Public Enemy — and GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award winner. As the lead voice of Public Enemy, he has repeatedly made hip-hop history and possesses one of the best-known voices in the genre.

Rakim, the influential rapper and “inventor of flow.” He first exploded onto the scene with Eric B. is President and raised the bar for all future MCs.

Tyehimba Jess, poet and author of Leadbelly and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Olio. Widely published and anthologized, his many honors include fellowships from Guggenheim and NEA.

The 2025 Nuyorican Slam Team: Brittany Barker, Sola Kush and Sumbodies Mama,the next generation of spoken word excellence, with special guest Caridad de la Luz,Executive Director at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.
Raina Simone is a hip-hop artist and producer from Harlem, New York and Englewood, New Jersey. Known for her innovative approach and fearless exploration of new artistic territory, some consider her a pioneer in the genre.

Tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased by visiting NJPAC.org or calling 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722) or by visiting the NJPAC Box Office. 

About NJPAC
New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), located in downtown Newark, New Jersey, is among the largest performing arts centers in the United States.  It is the artistic, cultural, educational and civic center of New Jersey — where great performances and events enhance and transform lives every day.  As New Jersey’s anchor cultural institution, NJPAC brings diverse communities together, providing access to all and showcasing the state’s and the world’s best artists while acting as a leading catalyst in the revitalization of its home city.  Through its extensive Arts Education programs, NJPAC is shaping the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts.  NJPAC has attracted more than 12 million visitors (including more than two million children) since opening its doors in 1997 and nurtures meaningful and lasting relationships with each of its constituents. Visit njpac.org for more information @njpac

NJPAC
One Center Street
Newark, New Jersey 07102
njpac.org or 888.GO.NJPAC (888.466.5722)

Follow NJPAC Online:
Website:      njpac.org
Twitter:        @NJPAC
Instagram:   @NJPAC
Hashtag:     #NJPAC
Facebook:   facebook.com/NJPAC
YouTube:     NJPACtv
Follow NJPAC’s Standing in Solidarity Series Online:
Website: njpac.org/takeastand
Hashtag: #NJPACTakeAStand Youtube: Standing in Solidarity playlist