Celebrating 50 years of hip-hop in Nashville ahead of city's New Year's Eve celebration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — We’re just several days away from one of the city’s biggest celebrations, Nashville’s Big Bash, which will ring in 2024. The show will feature a lot of amazing artists as well as a tribute to the 50^th anniversary of hip-hop.

The 50-minute family-friendly segment is great for the whole family and will kick off the nightly celebrations. Gates will open at the park at 4:30 p.m. and the tribute will start at 5:15 p.m.

The Music City Hip-Hop 50 is being put on by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and will feature some amazing local artists like Jason Eskridge, Tim Gent and Daisha McBride.

There’s even a special guest DJ set in the line up featuring none other than Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who believe it or not has a music degree and did a DJ set during his campaign.

Local leaders said this is all planned to honor the roots, rhymes, creators and collaborations that have found inspiration right here in Music City.

O’Connell is excited to highlight the diversity of Nashville’s music scene and looks forward to the challenge of performing next to some special names.

The tribute will also help mark the 20^th anniversary of The Lovenoise Group, an urban promoter that provides performance platforms for local urban artists and a community hub where black music lovers can come together to experience the power of culture.

The segment is being curated by Eric Holt who is part of Lovenoise and an assistant professor at Belmont.

The NYE celebrations are free and open to the public! Just make sure to arrive early for a good spot. Once the tribute is over, the crowd will gear up for the Big Bash which starts at 6:30 p.m.

Plan on heading to Nashville's Big Bash as well? Here's what you need to know.

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'The greatest gift that I can give,' Non-profit launches a wheelchair dance class

Breaking barriers and moving to the beat! One local dance company is making it possible for young people in wheelchairs to move and groove like everyone else. Good for your mental health, good for your physical health and good for your dose of positive news today. I hope you check out what they're doing!

-Rebecca Schleicher