The Smithsonian Institute has unveiled a new initiative called Hip-Hop Won’t Stop: The Beat, the Rhymes, the Life which will be displayed at the National Museum for American History in Washington.
In Manhattan hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Ice-T, Fab 5 Freddy and Russell Simmons held a news conference that explained and exemplified the concept behind the exhibition. The aim is to display an extensive archive of hip-hop artifacts that tells the thirty-year story of how hip-hop went from street-corner subculture to a international trend-setter.
Afrika Bambaataa donated a series of items that included two custom-made jackets with the Zulu Nation logo, a Zulu warrior beaded necklace, a USA/Africa necklace, ‘Don't Stop Planet Rock’ posters and a red fez with the "Proud Nuwaubian" logo. Fab 5 Freddy, DJ for Yo! Mtv Raps, donated a vintage boombox. Ice-T gave rare CDs and Grandmaster Flash offered up his holy Technics turntable.
That is just a list of some artifacts set to be displayed; the exhibition will also feature multi media sections and oral histories. The initiative is still in its early stages, but thanks to a grant from music label Universal, it appears it will eventuate as a fitting and relevant testament to hip-hop.
Despite a heavy press presence, Ice-T was as vocal as his Body Count days, “I'm so happy right now because when somebody comes and asks me about my music and about hip-hop, I can say, 'Take your fuckin’ ass to the museum, all right?'"
In Manhattan hip-hop pioneers Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, Ice-T, Fab 5 Freddy and Russell Simmons held a news conference that explained and exemplified the concept behind the exhibition. The aim is to display an extensive archive of hip-hop artifacts that tells the thirty-year story of how hip-hop went from street-corner subculture to a international trend-setter.
Afrika Bambaataa donated a series of items that included two custom-made jackets with the Zulu Nation logo, a Zulu warrior beaded necklace, a USA/Africa necklace, ‘Don't Stop Planet Rock’ posters and a red fez with the "Proud Nuwaubian" logo. Fab 5 Freddy, DJ for Yo! Mtv Raps, donated a vintage boombox. Ice-T gave rare CDs and Grandmaster Flash offered up his holy Technics turntable.
That is just a list of some artifacts set to be displayed; the exhibition will also feature multi media sections and oral histories. The initiative is still in its early stages, but thanks to a grant from music label Universal, it appears it will eventuate as a fitting and relevant testament to hip-hop.
Despite a heavy press presence, Ice-T was as vocal as his Body Count days, “I'm so happy right now because when somebody comes and asks me about my music and about hip-hop, I can say, 'Take your fuckin’ ass to the museum, all right?'"
