TheRAPy Session
On July 27th, 2023, the annual "TheRAPy Session" series was born, showcasing hip-hop as a form of therapy. Attendees and performers alike were moved to tears by the flawless and heartfelt performances of some of the greatest local emcees. The artists’ passion for the art form was palpable, and it sparked a desire in the hearts of many to continue the series and build on this legacy annually. Over the last few years, the event evolved into a family-friendly hip-hop event for signing up for mental health services into a whole weekend festival featuring panel discussions, educational workshops, adult night and community day. TheRAPy Session is a safe space where people can come together to “feel good” and use hip-hop in its therapeutic and empowering form.
Originally used by people of color to tell stories of oppression, hip-hop is a tool used to bring relief through laughter, tears, and smiles - similar to what one would experience in a therapy session. In previous years, we have focused solely on hip-hop and mental health wellness, and now we need to address social justice and how the system has impacted the community.
Local independent artists from Durham and surrounding areas are selected to feature based on their lyrical content, performance skills, and ability to connect with the audience. The event also features a Cypher Artist Segment where some of the greatest local emcees with a passion for freestyle rap perform original work, freestyle or both for 5 minutes back-to-back. The host/emcee provides comic therapy and drops important jewels to engage the crowd. The focus of the performances is to provide a therapeutic vision or story for the audience to experience while enjoying themselves. A prelude event the night before gives adults the therapy they’ve been needing, with accommodations like childcare for those who don’t usually get a free night to enjoy themselves.
As we continue this organized event, it will be important to emphasize the use of our art to uplift and reclaim our community. During this event, the youth, elders and their families, including the artists themselves, will experience healing and showcase thought-provoking tunes and feel-good music. In addition to previous TheRAPy Session activities, we are featuring an interactive exhibit to expand our youth engagement and a community discussion to allow the village an opportunity to synergize efforts.
This event welcomes attendees to participate in interactive exhibits such as BrainSTEMology, the cypher, hip-hop dance and more. Students of all ages will get a chance to learn about mental health wellness, STEM and social justice through hip-hop culture and music, much like how it was helpful for us to study with our headphones on in grade school. Hands-on activities that include hip-hop-themed visual art and beat-making will transport participants into a stress-free environment, as their focus will be solely on creating masterpieces that represent themselves.
Inaugural Therapy Session Clips
-Lena Jackson gives her take on the necessity of mental health and performs. (Lena Jackson - Therapy Session)
-J Rowdy performs "My Way" during the cypher segment (J Rowdy - Therapy Session)
Therapy Session II
Therapy Session III Line-Up
Host
Bishop Omega
Adult Night DJ
DJ O’Hell
Adult Night Featured Artists
Plant-Based Oace
LWord
Fam-U
Andrew
Honcho Reece
Alicia Marie
OC From NC
Defacto Thezpian
7EVENN
Community Day DJ
DJ BeatSmyth
Cypher Artist Segment
Andrew (Cyph History)
lorD Mercy
Twiz
Blair
J Best
LyriKel
FloEssence
Comikbook Cam
Community Day Featured Artists
Brandon Barz Butler
Fonzi
AP Damassiv
Queen Sanaa
Eternal The MC
Chyna Vonne
Watty
Maestra
Partners
Endless Will
BrainSTEMology
So, if you're looking for a music event that's more than just a night out, bring the family and join us at the Therapy Session III event. Experience the passion and energy of some of the most talented local emcees, and be part of a movement that's changing lives through the power of performing arts.
*Disclaimer: When we use the word "therapy," it is solely intended to illustrate how the creative and performing arts can be utilized as a tool for personal growth, emotional well-being, and positive transformation. Please note that this usage is not to be construed as professional therapy provided by licensed professionals accredited by state or programmatic accrediting bodies.
