In the months of March, June, September and December “Hip Hop Speaks” holds forums with the intention of a positive exchange of social and political ideas that are relevant to the hip hop community. These forums are led by some of hip hop’s familiar voices. Since June is the month of Father’s Day, this months forums will deal with manhood.

“Da Cypha MC Battle” will take place on Monday June 17th at The Riverside Church in NYC. The contest will feature 32 emcees and it will be narrowed down to 8, those 8 finalists must attend the forums. The rules for the battle are no excessive language, no disrespecting women and no excessive “n” word. Contestants will be judged on content, flow and creativity. Attendance to both events are free and gift bags will be given out to the first 500. Speaking at the forums will be Mos Def, Ras Baraka, Jeffrey Wright and Kevin Powell.