Smithsonian Wants To Make Hip Hop Exhibit

That’s why Russell Simmons, Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, Ice Tea, Grandmaster Flash, Crazy Legs and Fab Five Freddy were among the hip hop pioneers that made their way to the Hilton Hotel in New York City on Tuesday morning to help the Smithsonian National Museum of American History launch its collecting initiative, “Hip-Hop Won't Stop: The Beat, The Rhymes, The Life" in an exclusive press conference.

The aforementioned pioneers have already donated objects through the collecting initiative, with the hopes that the Smithsonian will begin an exhibit at the Museum of American History a few years down the line.

Flash donated his turn tables and mixer, Freddy turned in a boombox and MC Lyte, who wasn’t in attendance, let the initiative have her handwritten rhyme books.

While members that spoke felt honored by the Smithsonian’s initiative efforts, they also took the time to say what was on their mind.

Kool Herc expressed his displeasure over the balance of artists being played on the radio and also subtly commented about the Busta Rhymes’ video shooting incident.

“If you play 50 Cent, play Common Sense,” Herc told the press. “We love the recognition that hip hop gives us, but for somebody to die in at a video shoot, that’s not success. That’s not what hip hop is about."

In addition, Ice Tea proved he’s still the same gangster that entered the hip hop game years ago, with glaring opinions.

“I can’t even watch TV without getting mad,” Ice shared. “I heard J-Lo got a $7,000,000 bracelet and I’m like, ‘I wanna catch that bitch.’”

When it was all said and done, it was clear the pioneers gathered to make this initiative an exhibit and museum mainstay soon. The initiative hopes to gather more handwritten lyrics, clothing, DJ equipment and any item that captures the essence of the music genre and lifestyle.

For more information contact the Smithsonian's Marvette Perez at [e-mail].

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