The artifact-rich exhibition displays more than 400 items including Cab Calloway’s yellow zoot suit, items from Notorious B.I.G., Ice T’s first gold necklace, and the diamond ring worn by Tupac Shakur. Video, photography and interactive computer stations that teach the art of “scratching” round out the exhibition to create a youth-oriented, multi-media exhibition devoted to the artistic styles of hip hop’s pioneers and today’s industry leaders.

The exhibit depicts hip hop chronologically through four sections:

The Block Party - The party begins with deejaying, emceeing, break dancing, graffiti and fashion.

The Roots - Artifacts, equipment and styles are displayed from 1970s’ pioneers like Cab Calloway, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Cool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa.

The Golden Era - Recall the creative explosion in the mid-80s through 1990 led by Salt N’ Pepa, N.W.A., Rakim, Slick Rick, Run DMC, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy.

Pop Goes the Culture - MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice topped pop charts in the early 90s and hip hop has dominated American culture ever since. The music’s influence extends to advertising, fashion and other genres of music including R&B and rock acts from TLC and R. Kelly to Korn, Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock.

Hip Hop will be exhibited through May 27, 2002.

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