Empowering Communities Through Hip Hop
Top 8 Foundation harnesses the power and culture of Hip Hop to inspire, uplift, and empower communities in need.
As Seen In
Our mission
Top 8 Foundation is a passionate nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and uplifting people through the power of dance, music, and art. Our mission is to harness the power of Hip Hop art forms to inspire, uplift, and empower communities in need. We are dedicated to using this universal language to promote social change and provide opportunities for all.
We bring joy, hope, and strength to people by organizing live performances featuring Team USA Olympic breakdancers and Hip Hop artists across the country. Our performances blend the athleticism of breakdancing with the vibrancy and storytelling of hip-hop music and art, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for all.
Through creative expression and community engagement, we aim to build bridges, foster unity, and create a lasting positive impact on society.
What we do
We Showcase and Teach the Elements of Hip-Hop!
DJing (turntablism)
A core element of Hip Hop, shapes rhythm and energy through mixing, turntables, and samples. Beatboxing, another form, uses the mouth and voice to mimic percussion—originating in 1970s–80s New York as artists imitated drum machines to back singers and rappers.
MCing (rapping)
Masters of the art of rhythmic spoken word, rooted in storytelling, self-expression, and crowd connection. MCs give voice to the culture — delivering lyrics that reflect personal truth, social reality, and collective energy.
Breaking (b-boying / b-girling)
Born in the Bronx in the 1970s, is a dynamic street dance blending athleticism, style, and improvisation. It features four basics—Top Rock, Footwork, Freezes, and Power moves—and is usually performed to funk, soul, and hip-hop drum breaks.
Graffiti Art (writing)
With roots in ancient civilizations, evolved from gang marks to a visual language of identity, resistance, and creativity. It transforms public spaces with bold color and coded messages, and on canvas or paper, it’s recognized as a significant art form.
Knowledge
The foundation that ties all elements together. Knowledge represents awareness of hip hop’s roots, purpose, and impact—ensuring the culture is passed on with respect and intention.
Beatboxing
Beatboxers use the mouth and voice to mimic percussion. THis vocal art form originated in 1970s–80s New York, as artists imitated drum machines to back singers and rappers.
What we offer
The Showcase
Where all five elements collide in full expression, producing sound, word, movement, image, and spirit. This is hip hop live: a celebration of culture, a stage for truth, and a space where community becomes art and art becomes community, in real time.
The Workshops
Hands on, minds open. In these interactive sessions, participants don’t just watch hip hop—they step into it, learning the craft, history, and soul behind each element from the artists who live it.
Through creative expression and community engagement, we aim to build bridges, foster unity, and create a lasting positive impact on society.
Our core values
These are the guiding principles that shape our community and mission.
Community
Building connections through dance and fostering unity through the social power of Hip Hop culture.
Creativity
Utilizing hip hop art forms to engage and inspire.
Inclusivity
Ensuring participation is open to all, regardless of age, background, or skill level.