PDX Hip Hop Week to honor Besa Gordon and Converge Media
PDX Hip Hop Week is back, and it's bigger than ever! From August 20th to 26th, Portland will come alive with the rhythm and soul of hip-hop culture. This annual celebration, founded in 2015 by DJ O.G.ONE and the late Starchile, aims to unite the community, support local artists, and honor hip hop's positive impact.
Born out of a need to address the systematic shutdown of hip-hop venues and events in the city, PDX Hip Hop Week has grown into a powerful platform for showcasing the diversity and creativity of the hip-hop community. After Starchile's passing in 2018, DJ O.G.ONE expanded the event from a day to a week, ensuring that the legacy of PDX Hip Hop Week would continue to thrive.
Besa Gordon and DJ O.G. ONE at a Portland Trail Blazers game earlier this year. DJ O.G. ONE is a co-founder of PDX Hip-Hop Week. (Photo Dominique Whittaker)
This year's lineup features a diverse range of events, including:
Hip Hop, Wine, and Chill: A networking event at Abbey Creek Winery on August 22nd, bringing together business leaders, government officials, and hip hop enthusiasts. This year's honorees include Converge Media’s Besa Gordon and Omari Salisbury.
The STAR Awards: A signature event honoring the memory of co-founder Starchile and recognizing outstanding contributions to hip hop culture.
Take It to the Bridge Party: A multi-generational DJ showcase on August 23rd featuring DJ O.G.ONE, his son DJ O.G.TOO, and his non-binary child DJ EnBoy.
PDX Hip Hop Week will uplift and recognize the work of Converge Media's Besa Gordon and Omari Salisbury at this year's Hip Hop, Wine, and Chill event. Their unwavering commitment to showcasing the positive aspects of Portland's hip-hop scene has made a significant impact on the community.
PDX Hip Hop Week is more than just a music celebration; it's a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring legacy of hip-hop culture. Join us this August as we come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of hip-hop in Portland.
Click here to learn more about PDX Hip Hop Week and to purchase tickets.
