Music means a lot to most people, but to fans of hip-hop, it’s a way of life.

Tonight the Hip-Hop Congress of NIU will be having a “basement sesh” in the Lincoln Hall basement.

Starting at 7 p.m., Lincoln Hall will be bumpin’ with the beats of NIU alumni DJ Neeks and the freestyle raps of NIU’s finest and fastest voices.

“What we’re trying to do is host a hang out for anyone and everyone that’s into hip hop,” said Adam Hooczko, current Hip Hop Congress president. “Here at NIU, underground hip hop is hard to find and we just want to bring it to as many people as we can.”

The session will also feature the NIU Groundhog Breakdance Crew, Hooczko said.

At 8:30 p.m., the Hip-Hop Congress will change format and hold an informational session about their organization. Attendees will learn about how the Hip-Hop Congress works and the positions that are open for next year as well.

“We’re lookin’ to do big things next year. And we need dedication from the people involved. We’re looking to grow, but we still want to stay a tight group,” Hooczko said.

“This event, and others like it, are meant for a lot of people to get together and just have a good time. We love when everyone is jamming together; it’s just a good time,” said Joy Rios, vice president of Hip-Hop Congress.

Whether you’re a member, the Hip-Hop Congress wants you to be at the session, especially for the informational portion, Hooczko said.

This is the second year the Hip-Hop Congress has been at NIU, but it has chapters all over America and parts of the world. NIU’s Hip-Hop Congress meet at 9 p.m every Tuesday in the Holmes Student Center.

“Our focus is letting people know that hip-hop is a culture and not just a genre,” Rios said.