Wale to Perform Free “Hip-Hop for Philly” Concert
Philly FIGHT just announced that Grammy-nominated rapper Wale will headline this year’s “Hip-Hop for Philly” concert during the 20th anniversary AIDS Education Month. The evening of music doubles as an initiative to motivate young people to get tested. Tickets will be free to anyone aged 13 to 24 who get an HIV test at one of four HIV-testing events around Philly.
“Philadelphia’s rate of infection is 3.5 times that of the national average, and those under 30 are at the highest risk, ” says Director of Philadelphia FIGHT’s Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP) Tiffany Thompson. “One of our main goals for this event is to normalize testing and break down the stereotypes of who should get tested. Wale’s participation in “Hip-Hop for Philly” shows support around HIV education and awareness from the hip hop community that plays a huge role in influencing our youth.”
And it seems to work. Last year, the concert brought in more than 1,200 youth who received HIV tests.
The show — taking place Friday, June 27th at the Trocadero — is being produced in partnership with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP.) It will also feature local acts Chill Moody, ARSIN, and DJ NiiLO. To get a ticket, you must be between the ages of 13 and 24, and get tested at one of the testing events below:
- Saturday, May 31st, noon-5 p.m., Francis Meyers Recreation Center, 58th Street and Kingsessing Avenue
- Saturday, June 7th, noon-5 p.m., The King Center, 22nd Street and Cecil B Moore Avenue
- Saturday, June 14th, noon-5 p.m., Hunting Park Rec Center, 1101 West Hungting Park Avenue
- Saturday, June 21st, noon-5 p.m., Lawncrest Recreation Center, 6000 Rising Sun Avenue
AIDS Education Month events are also free, and open to people of all ages. See the full itinerary here. Check out a Wale’s video for “Chillin‘,” featuring Lady Gaga, below:
