Ice-T, Mickey Bentson and Bobby Dee Presents are about to launch the 13th annual Art Rap Tour, a national celebration of hip-hop that brings together legendary artists, Latino performers and R&B performers for a multi-city cultural experience.
Hip-hop pioneer Ice-T brings The Art of Rap back to stages across America as part of a new national tour celebrating more than four decades of cultural influence.
Bobby Dee Presents has announced its 13th annual Rap Arts Tour, which will run through 2026 and 2027 and coincide with the company’s 40-year anniversary celebration with concerts across the country.
The tour, presented in partnership with Ice-T and Art of Rap founder Mickey Bentson, aims to unite legendary hip-hop artists with Latino and R&B performers for a tour that celebrates the broader influence of urban music.
Organizers say the tour will feature hip-hop pioneers, notable Latino performers and R&B performers, though a full artist list will be announced later. The show will be hosted by Bentson, professionally hosted by Mick Benzo, and soundtracked by DJ Kevie Kev Rockwell. Officials noted that the lineup may vary by market.
While the concert remains the centerpiece, the production is designed to be a complete cultural event that reflects hip-hop’s roots. Tour stops will include elements such as street dancing, graffiti art displays, DJ performances and storytelling, aiming to highlight culture beyond music.
According to organizers, each city will also incorporate elements appropriate to the local community, reflecting the regional audiences that have supported hip-hop since its early days.
The tour concept originated from Ice-T’s 2012 documentary Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap, which explored the lyricism and technique of hip-hop through interviews with many of the genre’s foundational artists.
Three years after the film’s release, the project expanded into a live festival format, debuting in Orange County and the San Francisco Bay Area, attracting massive audiences and helping to establish the brand as a recurring touring platform.
Since then, The Art of Rap has grown into a national touring event known for strong ticket sales and appearances by veteran hosts who helped shape the genre.
With Bobby Dee Presents joining forces for the upcoming tour, the new tour will expand its reach while highlighting the historical connections between hip-hop, Latin music and R&B, organizers said.
Rapper and actor Ice-T, who co-created the tour concept, said the event reflected the cultural significance of the genre.
“Hip-hop is the most powerful and influential cultural movement since rock and roll. A true art form that deserves respect.”
Bentson said the purpose of the tour is to recapture the communal spirit of early hip-hop.
“Rap Art is more than just a concert, it’s a celebration of the magical power of hip-hop, celebrated in every aspect of it, from emceeing to street dancing to graffiti. This event brings back the feel of a neighborhood block party while also paying homage to hip-hop’s power to unite people through art and music.”
Additional details, including tour dates and full artist lineup, are expected to be announced in the coming months. Go to https://bdp.digital or theartofrap.net
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