Viva La Hip Hop

This summer’s “Rock the Bells” tour will feature some of hip-hop’s most legendary MCs and crews performing iconic albums in full. Among the acts on the lineup announced on Tuesday (May 25) on the tour’s site are the Wu-Tang Clan, who will serve up their groundbreaking 1993 debut, Enter the 36 Chambers; Rakim performing 1987’s landmark Paid in Full; KRS-One doing 1987’s Criminal Minded and Slick Rick, who will run through his iconic 1988 debut, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick.

Which Rock the Bells act are you most looking forward to? Talk about it in the comments.

The tour announcement also mentions “special guest” Lauryn Hill, but does not elaborate on what role the former Fugees and solo star will play on the tour.

With more names to be added later, the current lineup also features Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello’s side project with the Coup’s Boots Riley, Street Sweeper Social Club, as well as Murs & 9th Wonder, Wiz Khalifa, the Clipse, Immortal Technique, Brother Ali, Jedi Mind Tricks, Supernatural, DJ Muggs with Ill Bill, Big Sean, Yelawolf and DJ Rocky Rock.

The tour will hit four cities, kicking off on August 21 at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, California, then hitting Shoreline Amphitheater outside San Francisco on August 22, Governors Island in New York on August 28 and Merriweather Post Pavilion near Washington D.C. on August 29.

“This time of year is always filled with anxiety, excitement, and even relief,” said Bells founder Chang Weisberg. “Rock the Bells fans have the craziest expectations, and the days and nights leading up to our initial announcement are surreal. Ultimately, our goal is to always present something that is historic. This year’s show is the epitome of that tradition. Some things new and fresh, some things classic and legendary, and something that you’ve never seen or may never see and hear again. That’s the formula. I am excited for this year’s festivals and hope everyone is as hyped up as I am.”

A portion of the proceeds from the four shows will go to Haiti relief efforts through the Hip-Hop and Hope for Haiti organization.  The shows will also feature freestyle sessions and breakdancing performances.

Props: MTV