Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Hip Hop Camp 2026 — Day Program

Monday–Wednesday, June 8–10

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily

The Ohio State University Hip Hop Camp is an immersive three-day educational experience designed to introduce students to the rich history, cultural foundations, and creative practices of Hip Hop. Grounded in an academically informed understanding of the genre, the camp explores the four original elements of Hip Hop — DJing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and Emceeing — through structured, hands-on learning environments facilitated by experienced practitioners. The camp will also include Beat Making.

Each day begins with a focused discussion on the historical origins, sociocultural significance, and artistic evolution of Hip Hop. Students then rotate through small-group sessions, spending approximately sixty minutes engaging directly with each of the elements. This format ensures both depth of learning and active participation, allowing students to develop a meaningful, experiential understanding of Hip Hop’s artistic traditions.

In addition to cultivating foundational knowledge, the camp emphasizes creativity, confidence-building, collaboration, and physical engagement. The program concludes with a student cipher, offering participants an opportunity to share what they have learned in a supportive, community-building environment. Parents are warmly invited to attend this culminating experience.

Program Directors

Jason Rawls

Jason Rawls

Assistant Professor of Hip Hop

Stevie "Dr. View" Johnson

Stevie "Dr. View" Johnson

Assistant Professor of Creative Practice in Popular Music

Otis Sharp

Otis Sharp (DJ O Sharp)

Associated Faculty, Hip Hop

ELIGIBILITY — For students entering grades 9–12 in the 2026–2027 school year, and 2026 high school graduates. All participants must have at least one year of playing experience. 

MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT — 40

FEES  — Commuter $425 (includes T-shirt and lunch)

Rotation Descriptions

Rotation 1: DJing and Graffiti

Students receive an introduction to the history and cultural importance of Hip Hop DJing and Graffiti art. The facilitator demonstrates foundational DJ techniques, such as the baby scratch and rhythmic patterns, before guiding participants through hands-on practice. Students also explore the evolution of Graffiti as an expressive art form, with demonstrations followed by a supervised opportunity to create their own work.

Rotation 2: Emceeing

This session introduces students to the origins of Emceeing and its role as a central voice of the Hip Hop community. After a brief demonstration, participants practice basic microphone technique, breath control, and vocal projection. They then engage in guided activities exploring simple and more complex rhyme patterns, encouraging both creativity and verbal confidence.

Rotation 3: Breakdancing

Students learn about the history of B-Boying/Breakdancing as a kinetic and highly expressive element of Hip Hop. The facilitator demonstrates foundational movements and teaches participants a simple eight-step sequence. This rotation builds physical coordination, discipline, and appreciation for the athletic artistry embedded within the culture.

Rotation 4: Beat Making

This session introduces students to the origins and evolution of Hip Hop beat production. Students observe the beat-making process and learn introductory techniques using Serato Studio and School of Music hardware. The rotation highlights creativity, digital literacy, and musical problem-solving.

Daily Conclusion

At the end of each day, Dr. Rawls leads a reflective conversation with participants, helping them synthesize their hands-on experiences with the broader cultural and historical context of Hip Hop. These discussions reinforce learning objectives and deepen students’ understanding of the art forms they are practicing.

Culminating Experience

On the final day, students participate in a celebratory Hip Hop cipher, an inclusive, community-centered performance circle, where they can demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained throughout the camp. Parents are warmly invited to attend this closing event and share in their students’ achievements.

Registration

Registration deadline — Sunday, May 17

STEP 1 — You will be required to make payment via credit card at the time of registration. Shortly after submitting payment, you will receive an email confirming the transaction.

Registration will open here on February 1.

NOTE — The registration/payment form works best on a computer (PC or Mac).
MAC USERS — use Chrome, not Safari. 

STEP 2 — Permission forms. 3–5 days after you register and pay, parents/guardians and participants will receive permission forms via DocuSign shortly after registration is complete. All forms must be returned by the DocuSign deadline in order to participate.

What's Next?

  • Approximately one week before the program, participants and parents/guardians will receive an email with basic information about what to pack, arrival, parking, and check-in, as well as a Digital Handbook with important information for a successful experience. 

Questions?