New York Groove: 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship Comes to Irving Plaza on January 29th

“So close to a real hip-hop show as to raise the question of what exactly the difference between karaoke hip-hop and non-karaoke hip-hop might be.” -New York Times

Following on the success of the sold-out 1^st Annual Hip Hop Karaoke Championship at Highline Ballroom, Hip Hop Karaoke, New York’s most popular hip-hop event, presents the 2010 Hip Hop Karaoke Championship at New York’s Irving Plaza on January 29th. The event will feature 12 of Hip Hop Karaoke’s best battling it out for cash prizes in front of celebrity judges.

Throw away any preconceived notions of the stereotypical karaoke night. Hip Hop Karaoke is not “Ice Ice Baby” over a fake beat in the back of a bar. There are no bouncing balls or cheesy screens. Hip Hop Karaoke takes the traditional concept of karaoke and transforms it into the complete emcee experience. This is the opportunity to grab a mic, get up on stage, and perform to a diverse, enthusiastic crowd. Hip Hop Karaoke uses only the original instrumentals and the hosts ensure that every participant, from the seasoned hip-hop veteran to the casual fan, stays on track.

Over the past month, the organizers held two Regional Championships in Brooklyn and Manhattan, with the highest-scoring competitors advancing to the Championship. At the Championship, performers will pick from Hip Hop Karaoke’s eclectic song list of over 300 classic and current hip-hop songs. After three rounds, one person will emerge as Hip Hop Karaoke Champion and winner of a $1,000 cash prize. Last year, Prince Paul, Dres from BlackSheep and Video Music Box's Ralph McDaniels brought their vast hip-hop knowledge to the judges' table and this year, expect similar legends to bless the stage in January. Hip Hop Karaoke will be announcing this year's judges soon.

Started in December 2004, Hip Hop Karaoke has given thousands of people the opportunity to witness, and participate in, this unique celebration of hip-hop. Hip Hop Karaoke has been visited by such luminaries as Jeru the Damaja, Pete Rock, Rhymefest and Big Daddy Kane (among many others) and has spawned affiliates all over the globe. Everyone from XXL to Spin to Village Voice to New York magazine has sung HHK’s praises and one look makes it easy to see why it’s New York’s most popular hip-hop event.

“Hip Hop Karaoke is an idea so good you’re shocked it hasn’t been thought of earlier.” -New York Magazine

“Best of New York ” -New York Magazine

“Rap might have come late to the karaoke party, but it’s making up for lost time.” -Guardian

“While hip-hop karaoke nights have been held across the U.S…the most successful and consistent event is New York City ’s Hip-Hop Karaoke. HHK’s foundation is an eclectic song list that runs the gamut from classic favorites…to more obscure gems.” -XXL

“Trendsetting” -Allhiphop.com

“Hip-Hop Karaoke…changed the game, to the delight of our city’s many hip-hop junkies.” -Flavorpill

"Highly recommended" -Gawker

“[The Championship] was a swooning night of revived hip-hop classics.” -Spin

“America’s Wildest Parties” -Spin

“Wildly popular” -URB

“Exhilarating….Rewarding…Another stint on a stage is definitely coming.” -Vibe.com First Person Review

“Knowing all the words to “Ice Ice Baby” isn’t considered ironic or humorous here. If you can spit every word to Big L’s “Put It On” without missing a beat, you’ll fit right in.” -Newsday

“One of the Big Apple’s most innovative and talked-about nights.” -TNT

2008 HHK Championship Winner Chef Lowe
2008 HHK Championship Runner-upDoni D