In the heart of the Bronx—the birthplace of hip-hop—Lehman College’s Amphitheater came alive on April 8th, 2025, hosting “Women in the Mix: Hip Hop’s Voices, Beats & Breakthroughs.” This groundbreaking event celebrated the powerful influence of women in hip-hop, featuring an extraordinary lineup of industry pioneers and emerging voices.
A Convergence of Talent and Expertise
The evening kicked off with an illuminating Q&A session featuring Angela Piva, a titan in audio engineering with over three decades of experience. As a Grammy-nominated producer who has worked with legends like Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige, Piva shared invaluable insights from her journey through the male-dominated world of music production. Her current role at the Feirstein School of Cinema, where she mentors the next generation of audio professionals, exemplifies her commitment to opening doors for future talent.
International Hip-Hop Meets Local Roots
The spotlight then turned to Audry Funk, the Bronx-based Mexican artist who has been revolutionizing Spanish-language hip-hop for two decades. In a captivating Q&A session, Funk discussed her journey from Puebla to the Bronx, seamlessly weaving together themes of cultural identity, feminism, and social activism. Her perspective as an international artist who has performed everywhere from Lincoln Center to festivals across Latin America offered a unique glimpse into the global impact of women in hip-hop.
DJ Kaykay 47 amplified the conversation with references to pioneer DJs, producers, and musicians who inspired her to pursue her passion for hip-hop. It was early exposure to early hip-hop artists and a vinyl collection from her parents that led her to the importance of establishing a connection to the past while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
The evening culminated in an electrifying performance by Audry Funk, accompanied by the talented DJ Kaykay47. As the U.S. Cultural Ambassador of Hip Hop to Ireland and founder of “Girls DJ Too,” Kaykay47 brought her signature blend of community activism and musical expertise to the turntables. The collaboration between these two artists demonstrated the powerful intersection of artistic excellence and social consciousness that defines modern hip-hop.
More Than Just Music
What made “Women in the Mix” particularly significant was its emphasis on the multifaceted nature of women’s contributions to hip-hop culture. From Piva’s technical mastery behind the mixing board to Funk’s activist-informed lyricism and Kaykay47’s community-building initiatives, the event highlighted how women are shaping every aspect of the genre.
Looking Forward
This event, supported by the Baisley Powell Elebash Fund and numerous dedicated individuals, represents a crucial step forward in recognizing and amplifying women’s voices in hip-hop. As the genre continues to evolve, gatherings like “Women in the Mix” serve as both a celebration of progress made and a call to action for continued advancement.
The success of this event, held in the very borough where hip-hop was born, proves that women aren’t just participating in hip-hop culture—they’re leading its evolution into the future.
Support for future events like “Women in the Mix” can be made through donations to the H. Wiley Hitchcock fund for studies in American Music, ensuring that these vital conversations and performances continue to inspire and educate.
