An interactive evening program filled with music, dance, panel discussions, and art, dedicated to Hip Hop culture and knowledge. Listen to a breakdown of the art of rap, join an interactive conversation on the gendered power dynamics in the Hip Hop industry, get down to a classic Hip Hop block jam in the middle of the Hip Hop Is exhibition, and more.
On Friday, March 20, the Groninger Museum opens its doors to present a full evening program revolving around Hip Hop culture’s fifth element: knowledge.
Hip Hop is loved—and studied—all over the world. This evening, the Groninger Museum and Things Done Changed (the 2026 European Hip Hop Studies Conference taking place in Groningen) are bringing together Hip Hop scholars, artists, and enthusiasts from all over the world to celebrate and critically discuss Hip Hop culture, Hip Hop art, and the current state of the world.
The program features an interactive performance lecture by New Zealand–based rapper and Hip Hop scholar Mazbou Q (a.k.a. “The Rap Scientist”), who will talk about his rap flow analyses that made waves on social media. You can also dive into a panel discussion on the role gender plays in Hip Hop (by The Foundation in collaboration with the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Arts), explore how Hip Hop can be used as a method to reimagine and design the city (by The Niteshop’s Malique Mohamud), and learn how the European Hip Hop scene was shaped through collaboration (Culture Capsule).
In addition, get a glimpse of Hip Hop cinema from Palestine, Chile, and Colombia (Hip Hop Cinefest), and experience Hip Hop practitioners from across the scene transforming the Groninger Museum into the site of a classic Hip Hop block jam.
Keep an eye on things-done-changed.com for more information. More details on the program will be announced soon.
Mazbou Q: “The Science of Rap”
In his keynote “The Science of Rap”, the New Zealand-based rapper Mazbou Q will deliver a keynote talk on the science of rap, and showcase his skills as an emcee on stage as well. Known for his breakdowns of rap flows, Mazbou Q’s theory-based framework for the analysis of flow has gained popularity in both industry and academic circles alike. As both educator and practitioner of ‘rap science', Mazbou Q continues to capture the imagination of artists, instrumentalists and music theory enthusiasts alike as he illuminates the musical complexity of Hip Hop.
Hip Hop is Heritage: The (R)Evolution of Hip Hop
Rafting Goods star Ella John, rap pioneer MC Melodee, multi-disciplinary phenom Nedda Sou, popular music scholar Elizabeth Falade, and Groningen’s own graffiti legend Mick La Rock get together on a panel to reflect on the shifting cultural landscape and gendered power dynamics within the Hip Hop scene and industry. This edition of Hip Hop is Heritage, hosted by Hip Hop feminist Kim Dankoor, is curated by Amsterdam Hip Hop Center The Foundation in collaboration with the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Arts.
Culture Capsule: Connecting Beyond Country Borders
Hip Hop archiving and documentation center Culture Capsule will host a panel with Norwegian rap pioneer Son of Light (formerly N-Light-N), Dutch graffiti legend Timski, and Groningen’s own Jay Reaper (Dope D.O.D.). Together they discuss the impact of international collaborations and exchanges that shape and have shaped the European Hip Hop scene historically. The conversation will be moderated by Sherlock Telgt.
Malique Mohamud on The Niteshop
How can Hip Hop be used as a method to reshape and reimagine the city? Designer, strategist, and Hip Hop futurist Malique Mohamud shares how he and his team at The Niteshop create prototypes, strategies, and knowledge for future-ready cities. Mohamud is one of the co-founders of The Niteshop, a Rotterdam-based research and design center for the city of tomorrow that is deeply rooted in the Culture.
Hip Hop Cinefest
Hip Hop Cinefest is coming to Groningen for the very first time, presenting a curated selection from its internationally renowned catalogue with films from Palestine, Chile, and Colombia. Founded in Italy, Hip Hop Cine Fest is a unique event and one of only three festivals worldwide dedicated entirely to cinema connected to Hip Hop culture. In Groningen, audiences will experience a specially selected program that captures the spirit and vision of the original festival.
Hip Hop Is Knowledge: Night at the Museum
| Date | Friday, 20 March 2026 |
| Time | 7 PM to 12 AM |
| Entrance | Book a museum ticket for March 20 after 5 PM. |
The full Things Done Changed conference takes place from March 18 until March 21.