the 2x2 story
Just a few guys with a vision for bringing all the elements together.
4 elements and a dream for bringing them all together in columbus, ohio.
2x2Fest was built from a shared vision.
In 2015, Cole Baker, Justin Withrow, James Alexander, and Josh Miller each had the same idea: Columbus needed a festival that truly celebrated hip-hop in its entirety. At the time, Josh had been organizing monthly hip-hop events on campus, intentionally bringing multiple elements together under one roof. Through various shows and community events around the city, he connected with Cole and Justin, and it quickly became clear that they were all thinking the same thing. Why not build something bigger?
In Columbus, like many cities, the core elements of hip-hop often operate in their own lanes. MCs and DJs naturally share stages, but graffiti writers typically create independently, and the breaking community gathers in studios, practice spaces, and record shops. The culture was thriving, but it was fragmented. The opportunity was obvious. Bring all four elements together. Create one space where they could exist side by side, feed off one another, and be experienced as a unified culture.
That idea became 2x2Fest.
From 2015 to 2019, the festival grew into a respected platform for artists and a gathering place for hip-hop fans throughout the Midwest. When the pandemic paused live events across the globe, 2x2 paused with it, but the vision never left.
Today, the 2x2 Hip-Hop Festival stands as a full-day cultural experience in Columbus, Ohio dedicated to celebrating DJing, MCing, Breaking, and Graffiti Writing. Multiple stages feature live performances, high-energy battles, and curated showcases, all set against the backdrop of live art installations created throughout the day. The festival attracts artists and fans from across the Midwest, making it a regional destination for culture and community.
New in 2026, 2x2 will be free to attend while remaining family-friendly and open to hip-hop fans of all ages. The mission is simple and intentional: provide a platform for artists to express themselves through their chosen element while creating opportunities for the next generation to discover the culture, connect with community, and experience hip-hop the way it was meant to be experienced.