What’s Hot in Hip Hop was honored to be in the building to support some of the most dynamic artists of New York City that are building a movement within the live music/ hip hop scene. Special guests Talib Kweli, RES, and Sonnymoon performed at a celebration for the two-year anniversary of The Lesson. The entire night was produced by and presented by Cali Green Ink and Gentei Kaijo. The event was sponsored by Okayplayer, Karmaloop.com, and DownBeats.
If you’ve never been to the weekly jam, The Lesson is a live band, improvised “experimental hip-hop groove session” that takes place every Thursday night on the Lower East Side at Arlene’s Grocery, and welcomes a variety of musicians, singers, and emcees to its stage. It’s been growing in popularity since its start in 2012.
Some familiar faces and names that have come to share at The Lesson have included Robert Glasper, Reggie Watts, Thundercat, The Roots’ Mark Kelley , Adrian Younge, and more.
The Lesson/ Gentei Kaijo is developing into a true movement within the live music scene and hip hop circuit. Creating organic music from positivity and true craftsmanship, the artists and musicians of The Lesson are doing more than just getting by, they are creating their own lane. If you don’t believe it, you should go see for yourself.

Cali Green and friends at intermission
What’s Hot in Hip Hop congratulates The Lesson & Cali Green on a wonderful night…and a very happy birthday to you all from WHIHH!
If it’s not here, it’s not hot. This is what’s hot in hip hop!