All of the Above Hip Hop Academy

For families and youth in Michigan, particularly within the vibrant city of Lansing, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy (AOTA) stands as much more than just a place to learn dance or music. It is a dynamic non-profit organization, a collective of artists, educators, and advocates deeply committed to mentoring youth, supporting artistic expression, and enriching communities through the power of Hip Hop culture. As one devoted volunteer enthusiastically puts it, "Every time I walk through the door I amazed by the creativity, love, and sense of community I feel in this space. This organization is transforming this city one child at a time."

AOTA's mission goes beyond the beats and rhymes; it's about fostering shared, deep experiences that preserve culture, speak to academia, and drive youth, community, and economic development. Executive Director Ozay Moore aptly summarizes their philosophy: "It's bigger than hip hop, it's all of the above." Since its inception, AOTA has worked to create an ecosystem where artists can develop their craft, hone their skills, and find camaraderie among like-minded individuals. They provide a unique and essential space for youth, especially youth of color, to explore their creative energy and forge positive directions for their lives, rooted in the foundational elements of Hip Hop culture.

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All of the Above Hip Hop Academy is centrally located at 303 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933, USA. This address places the academy in the heart of downtown Lansing, a bustling and easily accessible area for residents across the capital city and surrounding Michigan communities. South Washington Square is a prominent and recognizable part of Lansing's urban landscape, making the academy straightforward to find and reach for daily classes, workshops, and events.

The establishment of this permanent public-facing headquarters in downtown Lansing in July 2024 marked a significant milestone for AOTA, allowing them to better serve as a central hub for Hip Hop development and culture building for all ages. The accessibility of this downtown location, with public transportation options and walkable streets, reinforces AOTA's commitment to being a community resource for all Michiganders interested in Hip Hop culture and youth development.

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• Comprehensive Youth Development Programs: AOTA offers a variety of youth classes, workshops, and performance-oriented experiences designed to support local artistry and provide opportunities for artistic development. Students learn directly from highly respected Hip Hop practitioners.
• B.A.R.S. (Beats and Rhymes Sessions) Program: This core program offers aspiring artists the opportunity to develop skills in beat making and rhyme writing. It emphasizes strong mentor relationships and collaborative production of original music, including recording, performing, and exploring Hip Hop culture. This program aims to advance youth in their community and is often provided free or barrier-free of charge.
• Breaking 101 Classes: For those interested in the dynamic dance element of Hip Hop, AOTA provides Breaking 101, an introductory class to the foundational movements and history of breakdancing.
• Workshops and Classes in Hip Hop Elements: Students are exposed to and learn about various facets of Hip Hop culture, which can include:
  • DJing: The art of mixing different music tracks.
  • Emceeing (Rapping): The art of rhyming spoken words to a beat.
  • Graffiti Art: Exploring visual artistic expression.
  • Beat Making and Production: Utilizing software-based tools like FL Studio and Ableton Live.
  • Hip Hop History and Philosophy: Providing a holistic understanding of the culture's origins and impact.
• Performance Opportunities: AOTA provides platforms for students to perform original music and showcase their skills, including events like "The Jump Off" beat battles, cyphers, and showcases.
• Community Events and Festivals: The academy organizes and participates in significant community events, such as Hip Hop Week (including the "Cap City Jam" breaking competition) and the "Below The Stacks" Mural Festival, engaging the broader Lansing community.
• Mentorship and Life Skills: Beyond artistic training, AOTA emphasizes developing strong mentor relationships, encouraging responsibility, accountability, and the pursuit of passions in a way that contributes to positive personal and societal outcomes.

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• Non-Profit and Mission-Driven: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AOTA's core mission is youth development through Hip Hop culture. This focus on mentorship, artistic expression, and community service sets it apart as an organization dedicated to positive social impact in Michigan.
• Holistic Hip Hop Education: AOTA provides a comprehensive understanding of Hip Hop, covering its four core elements (DJing, Emceeing, Breaking, Graffiti) and its rich history and philosophy. This holistic approach ensures students gain a deep appreciation and knowledge of the culture.
• Experienced Practitioners as Mentors: Students learn directly from Hip Hop practitioners who are highly respected in their craft and often touring artists. This provides invaluable real-world insight and inspiration for aspiring creatives.
• Strong Sense of Community and Love: Reviews consistently highlight the "creativity, love, and sense of community" felt within AOTA's space. This nurturing environment is crucial for youth development and fostering lasting relationships.
• Positive Transformation and Impact: The academy is recognized for "transforming this city one child at a time," helping youth discover music as an outlet, and rooting their lives in Hip Hop culture in a positive direction.
• Accessible and Barrier-Free Programs: Programs like B.A.R.S. are often provided free or "barrier-free" of charge, demonstrating AOTA's commitment to making quality Hip Hop education accessible to all Lansing-area youth, regardless of their socio-economic background.
• Permanent Downtown Lansing Headquarters: Their new public-facing location on Washington Square in downtown Lansing serves as a central hub for programming, workshops, and events, further solidifying their presence and accessibility for the Michigan community.
• Organizers of Key Community Events: AOTA is a key organizer of significant local events like Hip Hop Week and "The Jump Off" beat battles, providing platforms for artistic expression and community engagement.

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For Michigan residents interested in learning more about All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, enrolling in programs, volunteering, or supporting their mission, please use the following contact details:

Address: 303 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933, USA

Phone: (517) 920-9274

Email: info@alloftheabovehiphop.org

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 80281, Lansing, MI 48908-0281

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For families and youth in Michigan, particularly those in Lansing and the surrounding areas, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy (AOTA) is an exceptionally suitable and highly impactful local resource. It transcends the traditional definition of a "school," functioning as a vital community hub where creativity, mentorship, and cultural preservation converge to transform lives.

The academy's non-profit status and explicit mission to mentor youth and serve the community through Hip Hop culture resonate deeply with local values, providing a purpose-driven environment for learning. The heartfelt testimonials from volunteers and participants about the "creativity, love, and sense of community" within AOTA underscore its nurturing atmosphere, which is essential for fostering self-expression and building confidence in young individuals. Learning directly from "highly respected" Hip Hop practitioners ensures that students receive authentic, high-quality instruction across all elements of Hip Hop, from breaking to beat making and rhyme writing.

Furthermore, AOTA's commitment to making its programs accessible, often free or barrier-free, demonstrates its dedication to serving all segments of the Lansing youth population. The new permanent downtown Lansing headquarters enhances its accessibility, making it easier for families to engage with their various classes, workshops, and community events like Hip Hop Week and "The Jump Off" beat battles. For any Michigander seeking a positive, transformative, and culturally rich experience that helps youth develop strong life skills while pursuing their artistic passions, All of the Above Hip Hop Academy is undoubtedly an invaluable asset that is "transforming this city one child at a time."

This video provides an overview and insights into the work and mission of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQk1rL8Y-g)

All of the Above Hip Hop Academy

303 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933, USA