13th Annual Gathering of MCs (Night 1 - Intertribal Rap Showcase, $300 Beat Battle + more)

Name: 13th Annual Gathering of MCs (Night 1 - Intertribal Rap Showcase, $300 Beat Battle + more)
Start: 2025-04-24T19:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-04-25T01:30:00-06:00
Location: Launchpad

Schedule

Thu, 24 Apr, 2025 at 07:00 pm to Fri, 25 Apr, 2025 at 01:30 am

UTC-06:00

Location

Launchpad | Albuquerque, NM

Def-i Presents
13th Annual Gathering of MCs
April 24th & April 25th, 2025 (Two Night Event)
Tickets: https://holdmyticket.com/tickets/444730
4/24:
Intertribal Rap Showcase
$300 Beat Battle
Gathering of MCs Release Party
4/25:
Intertribal Rap Showcase
$1,000 Freestyle Rap Tournament
$500 Best 16-Bar Competition
8pm-1am
21+
$20 Advance ea
$30 Door ea
$50 VIP + MEET & GREET
Launchpad
618 Central Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
In 2010, Def-i founded an intertribal rap competition & music showcase known as the 'Gathering of MCs' to create a platform that serves our Indigenous communities by promoting positive self-expression in the arts of poetry, song writing, and storytelling. The 'Gathering of MCs' is an annual music festival which unfolds within the traditional, unceded territory of the Tiwa people. Located in Albuquerque, this internationally curated event is in the heart of one of the most culturally diverse parts of New Mexico. The 'Gathering of MCs' aims to cultivate the community deeply rooted in Hip-Hop music by providing a creative space where artists and voices can gather together to express themselves through a collective love of music and cultural exchange. The event itself is curated to build two nights of positive energy for attendees to become immersed in an all inclusive showcase and competition that is committed to uplifting others, especially Indigenous voices. Since 2010, it has grown each year and is now one of the largest events of its kind. Indigenous voices and artists at the 'Gathering of MCs' are able to showcase their written compositions/songs while promoting his/her/their tribal identities in front of large live audiences & online afterwards. This musical event integrates values and ways of life that are shared between popular Hip-Hop culture and our traditional cultural heritages to form mutual understandings & connections between Nations. Through this cultural exchange with an emphasis on building a global community, the 'Gathering of MCs' amplifies the modern Native storytelling experience & preserves the art of lyricism through music while promoting self-improvement & empowerment to all generations. Various organizations have also attended previous 'Gathering of MCs' events discovering many up and coming & established Indigenous artists throughout the years. The 'Gathering of MCs' also aims to help sustain and support a growing native economy, native owned businesses, vendors and artists who are able to network amongst another in-person during this special event.
To sign up for competitions: purchase a ticket & show confirmation. Sign ups for $300 Beat Battle closes on 4/24 at the event upon announcement & sign-ups for the $1,000 Freestyle Rap Tournament+ $500 Best 16 Bar competitions close on the night of event 4/25.