Hip-Hop Pioneer Christopher “Play” Martin Speaks at Allen University Hip-Hop Studies Event

April 16, 2015 - PRLog -- Columbia, S.C. – Hip-Hop pioneer Christopher “Play” Martin, of the iconic duo Kid ‘n Play (House Party franchise, Class Act), will address students on Friday, April 17 at Allen University, located at the Mattie Scott Conference Center at 2300 Taylor Street in Columbia.

The event is the first-ever Hip Hop Studies Conference and will feature panel discussions and keynote addresses from Martin, Preach Jacobs, and Ricky Simone, as well as a musical performance by the Allen University Jazz Ensemble, and an open mic session for hip-hop/spoken word artists.

Martin is the founder and CEO of Brand Newz, which supports and promotes education and community empowerment through its unique online news portal, weekly newsletters, social media presence, and bi-weekly video segments –

all under the mantra “Hip Hop Has A New Direction.” Brand Newz is currently broadcasted on CW affiliates, as well as on upcoming programming on Dish Network on Demand.

“The core of Hip Hop and education share a unique, yet common, thread,” said Martin. “Each has the special ability to empower our youth, communities, families, and society as a whole through infusing individuals with knowledge, information, and inspiration to help them navigate through life in a meaningful way. This event is the perfect illustration of that, and I am excited to address the next generation of leaders in Hip Hop and education.”

Martin’s visit to Allen University is a part of an ongoing speaking series designed to inspire and empower young people and their communities. Recent speaking engagements include Full Sail University (Winter Park, Fla.), Crossroad Academy Charter School (Quincy Fla.), South Shore International College Preparatory High School (Chicago, Ill.), Shaw University (Raleigh, N.C.), and Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, N.C.).

For more information, visit www.BrandNewz.com, www.ChristopherMartin.TV or http://www.allenuniversity.edu/allen-university-hip-hop-studies-conference/.