Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Over the course of 15 years, The GRAMMY Museum has played a pivotal role in disseminating music history and providing countless resources for musicians. The museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating and exploring music from yesterday and today to inspire the music of tomorrow through exhibits, education, grants, preservation initiatives, and public programming. In homage to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop this year, The GRAMMY Museum will be hosting a year-long exhibition to honor the artists that paved the way.
The GRAMMY Museum® announces its Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit initial programming schedule consisting of in-person and virtual events to supplement the exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Opening Oct. 7, the 5,000-square foot installation delves deep into the multifaceted world of hip-hop through expansive exhibits on hip-hop music, dance, graffiti, fashion, business, activism, and history, providing visitors with an immersive experience that explores the profound impact and influence of hip-hop culture. On display will be an incredible array of artifacts including the Notorious B.I.G.’s iconic red leather pea jacket, LL Cool J’s red Kangol bucket hat, and more. Newly announced artifacts include Lil Wayne’s GRAMMY Award for Best Rap Album, The Carter III, Lil Wayne’s handwritten letter from prison to his fans and his family, custom Saweetie acrylic nail sets created by her nail artist Temeka Jackson, plus exclusive interviews with MC Lyte, Cordae and other artists about their creative process. Additionally, a Sonic Playground features five interactive stations that invite visitors of all ages to unleash their creativity through DJing, rapping and sampling and is made possible thanks to a grant from The Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation.
The Rap City Experience, part of the Sonic Playground, is a freestyle interactive featuring Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, host of BET’s “Rap City: Tha Basement.” Visitors can freestyle over beats by producers Hit-Boy, PERFXN and Schyler O’Neal, and trade bars with hip-hop artists Reason, Nana and Nilla Allin. As part of the museum’s ongoing community and education programming, BET and Mass Appeal will screen the first two installments of their upcoming documentary Welcome to Rap City on Oct. 9.
Additionally, the GRAMMY Museum is partnering with The Debut Live to present their multi-part event series highlighting iconic hip-hop albums and the artists who created them, including DJ Khaled, Joey Bada$$, Rick Ross, T.I., and more. The intimate conversations are hosted by Billboard’s Deputy Director of R&B and Hip-Hop, Carl Lamarre, in partnership with the GRAMMY Museum/Recording Academy + Soho House, and will be available to view beginning Oct. 6 exclusively on the GRAMMY Museum’s streaming platform COLLECTION:live™.
The exhibit launches on Sat, Oct. 7 and will run through Sept. 4, 2024. A special opening event will take place on Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase here. Additional programming to be announced at a later date. See the event calendar below:
Sat, Oct. 7:
EVENT: Careers in Music: The Nelson George Mixtape, Volume 2
WHAT: A conversation and book signing with acclaimed author, producer and director, Nelson George, as we discuss his career chronicling the birth of hip-hop in America and his work in the entertainment industry.
WHEN: 1 p.m.
WHERE: Clive Davis Theater
REGISTER: Click here.
Mon, Oct. 9:
EVENT: Careers in Music: “Welcome to Rap City” Screening
WHAT: In partnership with BET and Mass Appeal, the GRAMMY Museum is proud to host a screening of the first two installments of their new documentary “Welcome to Rap City” followed by a panel discussion featuring Rap City hosts and more.
WHEN: 12 p.m.
WHERE: Clive Davis Theater
REGISTER: Click here.
Thurs, Oct. 26:
EVENT: Backstage Pass: “Road to the Latin GRAMMYs®” Mellow Man Ace
WHAT: To celebrate the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards®, the GRAMMY Museum is thrilled to have Afro-Cuban rapper and Los Angeles native Mellow Man Ace discuss his career and his accomplishments as one of the pioneers of Latin rap, followed by a performance.
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: Clive Davis Theater
REGISTER: Click here.
Sat, Dec. 2:
EVENT: Love Your Amazing Self
WHAT: An interactive family program featuring hip-hop musician, meditation teacher and author, Ofosu Jones-Quartey, reading from his latest book Love Your Amazing Self followed by a performance. Support for this program was provided through funding from Councilman Curren Price Jr. and the New 9th.
WHEN: 11 a.m.
WHERE: Clive Davis Theater
REGISTER: Click here.
October 2023 – June 2024
WHAT: Hip-Hop Education Workshops
WHAT: In Celebration of the 50 years of hip-hop from its origin to where the genre is today. Highlighting the golden age of hip-hop, these lessons will provide students with a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the genre.
WHEN: 2023-2024 School Year
WHERE: Clive Davis Theater
REGISTER: Click here.
For more information regarding advanced ticket reservations for the exhibit, visit www.grammymuseum.org.
