Global Artists Coalition and Converse

GLOBAL ARTISTS COALITION AND CONVERSE BRING
RARE HIP-HOP ARTIFACTS, INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCES AND A SNEAKER PAINTING
COMPETITION TO NEW YORK CITY

Hip-Hop Legend Bobbito Garcia and Hot 97 DJ Raqiyah to Host Landmark
Free Event at Webster Hall on April 21

New York, NY April 11, 2006 Global Artists Coalition and Converse in
conjunction with Footlocker and Foot Action will bring their popular
sneaker-painting competition, a landmark exhibit of rare hip-hop
handbills and urban photography, and several innovative performances to
New York City, to raise awareness of hip-hops past and spotlight its
creative future.

The one-day event, titled the Converse All Star Hip-Hop Tribute, will
take place on Friday, April 21 at Webster Hall in New York City, between
2 pm and 9 pm. Hot 97 DJ Raqiyah will host from 2 pm 5 pm. Hip-hop
legend Bobbito Garcia, host of ESPN 2s Its The Shoes and columnist for
Vibe, will MC from 5pm 8 pm.

The free display will reflect the recent national interest in original
artifacts from raps early years and present a unique hip hop-based arts
activity that will engage youths and artists of all ages and encourage
them to express their creativity. In addition, several unique artistic
presentations will be offered.

The event will consist of:

The Converse Sneaker Art Battle, which offers emerging artists the
opportunity to show off their graffiti and illustrative art skills by
tagging a classic white Pro Leather shoe, similar to the ones once worn
by Julius Irving, with their own inspired creations. Participants
pieces will be judged and considered for a special limited-edition
athletic shoe from Converse.

Hip-hop historian Curtis Sherrods rare hip-hop handbills. Part of the
worlds largest collection, the objet d'arts promoted legendary
old-school parties during the late 70s and early 80s, and were
previously shown at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

Photojournalist Jamel Shabazzs gritty snapshots of the emerging hip-hop
scene from 1980-1989 before it became what is todays
multi-million-dollar multinational industry. The photos are from his
critically-praised books Back in the Day and A Time Before Crack.

A special performance by Bam the Liquid Robot, whose hip-hop dance
routines are enthusiastically acclaimed for their passionate virtuosity
and stylistic flair. Known for his work in movies, commercials and with
superstar artists, Bam has been called the next level by Vibe magazine.

The vocal innovation of Kid Lucky and his freewheeling and funky oral
orchestra. Perhaps the preeminent beat box artist in the world today,
Doug E. Fresh has said, Kid Lucky is doing something I wish I would have
thought of.

The trailblazing ensemble Asa Yaa. Boasting musicians, dancers and
singers, and glorifying the connection between African culture and
modern African-American art, this Brooklyn-based company has toured the
world to great acclaim.

Previously the Converse All Star Hip-Hop Tribute drew over 2,500
visitors in Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, DC.