National Museum of African American Music Hosts a Yearlong Celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary Through the Lens of Industry Photographers

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is joining in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

The museum opened its yearlong exhibit, This is Hip Hop, on Thursday, Jan. 19.

NMAAM’S Features Gallery will exhibit iconic captures of Hip Hop’s origins and cultural impact through the lenses of four legendary artists. During the celebration, the museum curated and spotlighted the history and development of Hip Hop and the genre’s most iconic performers. Learn more at www.nmaam.org.

Over a half-century ago, DJ Kool Herc birthed the style and culture we now call Hip Hop when he accidentally played the first breakbeat at a house party in the Bronx, NY.

Since then, Hip Hop has influenced social justice movements, infinite genres of music, fashion, art, and culture, and topped music charts all over the world.

The entire Hip Hop culture will be honored and celebrated internationally throughout the year. Your favorite DJs, MCs, break-dancers, beatboxers, and other legendary artists will showcase at events such as concerts, tours, battles, tournaments, and exhibits to make this year’s golden anniversary of Hip Hop culture the most amazing one yet.

NMAAM’s This is Hip Hop exhibit will showcase the work of four notable documentarians, representing the U.S.’s four major regions (Midwest, West, East, and South). Hip Hop enthusiasts will experience some of the most memorable moments and iconic performances in Hip Hop history through each photographer’s unique experience. Visitors will witness the extraordinary photography of Chicago-native Raymond Boyd (Midwest), whose in-depth interpretations were created especially for the This Is Hip Hop display; Traci Bartlow (West Coast), whose 90s Bay Area Hip Hop photos were featured in Oakland Museums; Andre Leroy Davis (East Coast), an artist renowned for his must-see illustrations that satirize and comment on current events and culture; and the South’s very own Shannon McCullum, a self-taught photographer from Atlanta with more than 25 years of experience in the music industry.

These documentarians have been featured in record labels, museums, and national music and culture magazines like Source Magazine.

The museum’s mission to amplify the music and culture of America’s roots continues to be the home “Where Legends Live Forever.”