Billboard & State Farm Bring Custom Merch to Hip-Hop/R&B LIVE | Billboard News

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Billboard’s annual Hip-Hop / R&B LIVE took over New York City’s Webster Hall on Sept. 5 with unforgettable performances and a special partnership with State Farm®. Fans were treated to exclusive custom merch designed by HBCU alum KeShawn Sanders, celebrating culture, community, and the spirit of the genre.

Tetris Kelly: Billboard took over New York City’s Webster Hall on Friday, September 5th. We’re taking you to Billboard Hip Hop LIVE sponsored by State Farm.

Fans lined up outside the iconic venue to see Billboard rookies GELO, Odeal, and Ravyn Lenae take the stage. Billboard’s Breakthrough of the Year, Leon Thomas, closed out the night. During the event, fans were able to get custom screen printed t-shirts featuring the marquee sign. We had the chance to chat with KeShawn Sanders, the designer behind the tee. Here’s what he had to say about bringing the design to life.

KeShawn Sanders: My creative vision for this design was just recognizing the history behind this place. Like, Webster Hall has a very deep history with hip-hop and essentially black culture. It kind of brings, like, a grungy effect to it as well.

He also talked about the importance of brands like State Farm giving opportunities to young HBCU alums.

Sanders: It just highlights artists, really, and it shows that HBCU’s do cultivate a culture of understanding, intelligence and love with our crafts.

Fans were able to take home the tee as a souvenir to end an already memorable night.