CUSETOWN HIP-HOP EVOLUTION: DJ MAESTRO, JUS ONE, SETH MARCEL

Cusetown: Hip-Hop Evolution panel brings together legendary Syracuse voices; DJ Maestro, Jus One, and Seth Marcel in conversation with educator, author, and pop-up exhibition curator Emad Rahim (aka Plain Truth). Together, they’ll break down Syracuse’s contributions to hip-hop as both a local movement and a vital thread in the national fabric of the culture.

From basement tapes to regional radio, from barbershop debates to packed stages, Syracuse has been shaping the sound and heartbeat of hip-hop for decades. The panel will explore how local artists, DJs, and promoters have carved out space, pushed boundaries, and left their mark not only on the 315 but on the broader story of hip-hop!

Hip-hop raised me, says Rahim. This collection isn’t just about nostalgia, it’s about preservation. It’s about honoring the art form that gave voice to the voiceless, turned block parties into revolutions, and made the world listen.

This panel discussion is part of 30 Years of Hip-Hop: Diggin in the Crates - A Collector’s Cipher featuring an extensive collection of vinyl records, autographed memorabilia, and promo items from iconic MCs, alongside limited-edition sneakers, designer toys, and rare comic books with covers paying tribute to hip-hop legends. It centers Syracuse’s scene within the context of the culture’s evolution, celebrating the past, honoring the present, and preserving the future.

Host or Publisher Cjala Surratt