Previewing the 20th Trinity International Hip Hop Festival + Why Hip Hop Conferences Are Impactful

Enjoy this exclusive preview of the 2026 Trinity International Hip Hop Festival on "Hip Hop Can Save America!"

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In this episode, host Manny Faces is joined by Professor Seth Markle, Andreia Soares, and Taris "Bboy Poptart" Clemons to break down what's in store for the 20th edition of this iconic event, put on by Trinity College in association with The Temple of Hip Hop.

Discover why the festival is a cornerstone for the Hartford scene and an international force bridging generations, elements, and communities. Get the inside scoop on headliners, the international lineup, breaking battles, and the festival’s powerful "Voices of Freedom" theme, connecting 20 years of hip hop to 250 years since the American Revolution.

This episode highlights how hip hop continues to uplift communities and drive social change. Seth Markle explains, "The festival is all about diverse representation, showing the five elements of the culture and really showing the Hartford hip hop community and the ways in which it really uplifts the culture and our festival" Soares adds, "There is a generational trajectory right now... it's social justice, it's the common good. It's important" Poptart shares his passion as both a former competitor and the current breaking event coordinator: "All I hope to do is just keep shedding light on our B boy scene and giving them the highest level of competitors we can have here... bringing them what they see on TV right to their backyard."

Whether you’re an artist, academic, organizer, or fan, this focused conversation will get you ready for Trinity’s can’t-miss blend of battles, panels, live shows, and community celebration. Tune in to understand why this festival holds a unique space—locally and globally—in keeping Hip Hop’s revolutionary spirit alive!

For more on the conference, visit https://www.instagram.com/trinityhiphop

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About the series:

Hip Hop Can Save America! explores Hip Hop as culture, history, journalism, and problem-solving — not just entertainment.