HIP HOP HITS THE SMITHSONIAN

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History has launched a new multi-year initiative titled, Hip-Hop Won’t Stop: The Beat, The Rhymes, The Life. A special press conference took place at the Hilton Hotel in New York City on Wednesday, February 28th, to announce the new project. The event was attended by Kool Herc, Russell Simmons, Crazy Legs of the Rock Steady Crew, Grandmaster Flash, Bill Adler, Fab 5 Freddy, Ice T, and Afrika Bambaataa.

Crazy Legs broke down why the day was so special for him. He said,

“Things I’m very proud of right now is the fact that one day my son will be able to take his lady and kids to the musuem and check out his dad. Things like that, the importance of this being passed on from generation to generation is probably the biggest thing that can happen right now.”

Several items contributed by the pioneers were displayed during the event. The museum will continue to collect various items linked to the history of the culture including: vinyl records, handwritten lyrics, boom boxes, clothing and costumes, videos and interviews