Grammy Museum to launch 50 years of hip-hop exhibit featuring artifacts from Tupac, Biggie

The Grammy Museum's "Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit" is set to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop music and culture with a comprehensive showcase of artifacts and experiences. Here are some key highlights from the exhibit:

1. Tupac Shakur's Handwritten Essay: The exhibit features a handwritten essay by Tupac Shakur from 1992 titled "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death." In this essay, Tupac drew parallels between one of Patrick Henry's famous speeches, which advocated for freedom, and the experiences of being a minority in the United States.

2. Notorious B.I.G.'s Red Leather Pea Jacket: Visitors can view the red leather pea jacket worn by Notorious B.I.G. in the music video for Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s "Players Anthem."

3. LL Cool J's Red Kangol Bucket Hat: LL Cool J's iconic red Kangol bucket hat is on display as part of the exhibit.

4. Dapper Dan Outfits: The exhibit includes two outfits designed by hip-hop fashion legend Dapper Dan. One of these outfits is the black leather jacket worn by Melle Mel during a performance at the 1985 Grammy Awards. The other is Busy Bee's black-and-yellow leather bucket hat and jacket.

5. Interactive "Sonic Playground": Visitors can engage in an interactive "Sonic Playground" where they can experiment with DJing, sampling, and rapping, allowing them to get hands-on experience with hip-hop music production.

6. Exploration of Hip-Hop's Influence: "Hip-Hop America" goes beyond a simple chronological display and delves into various aspects of hip-hop, including music, choreography, fashion, business, activism, car culture, and the history of the genre. There are sections dedicated to regional music scenes, technological advancements, and formative media engines like "Yo! MTV Raps."

7. Duration: The exhibit is scheduled to open on October 7 and run until September 4, 2024, providing ample time for visitors to explore the rich history and culture of hip-hop.

8. Inclusivity: The exhibit aims to cater to a wide audience, from hip-hop enthusiasts to those new to the genre, by offering diverse content and surprising elements, such as sections on hip-hop sonics and the connections between hip-hop and partner genres like R&B.

According to co-curator Jason King, "Hip-Hop America" offers a captivating glimpse into the enduring and innovative culture of hip-hop that has continued to evolve and push boundaries over the past five decades. The exhibit aims to celebrate the genre's profound impact on music, fashion, and society as a whole.