Music lovers around the world are reminiscing on how far hip hop has come. It has been 50 years since the genre was born. At the time, nobody realized the impact DJ Kool Herc would have on the music history. However, the beats that jammed between those turntables that night in the Bronx changed the music game forever.
As travelers explore different destinations this fall, they can get a taste of the genre’s influence at exhibits around the country. There’s something happening everywhere to celebrate hip hop’s birthday. Here are a few cities showing major love to the genre on its 50th anniversary.
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C., along with the surrounding DMV area, has been celebrating hip hop’s anniversary all summer long. The Kennedy Center will be showcasing a history of dance exhibit on Sept. 16. Local and professional dancers will showcase a variety of dance scenes showcasing how the genre has influenced and defined American culture. The museum also is hosting a slew of other events, including a fireside chat with DJ Kool Herc, a comedy show co-curated by D-Nice and a deep dive into hip hop’s greatest groups.
New York
As the birth place of hip hop, New York has been and will continue celebrating the 50th anniversary all year. Events celebrating hip hop from concerts to museums are overflowing. Travelers can check out the Real Rap: Hip-Hop Star Power on Screen in Astoria at the Museum of the Moving Image. Through Nov. 3, the museum will show a variety of classic, Black movies, like Belly, New Jack City, 8 Mile and Poetic Justice. The city remains on fire throughout the year with concerts, festivals and dance celebrations.
St. Louis, Missouri
The Saint Louis Art Museum is continuing to celebrate hip hop through the rest of the year. The exhibit Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century is running until the new year. The celebration highlights the art history of hip hop culture, including the local and regional contributions to the genre. Paintings and artifacts created by artists, like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Mark Bradford, will be on display. The exhibit is organized by the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Cleveland, Ohio
The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland is hosting the Hip Hop at 50: Holla If Ya Hear Me exhibit. The event shines a light on the lives and cultural contributions of Hall of Fame inductees and takes visitors on a journey through 50 years of greatness. Rare, iconic items, like LL Cool J’s signature four-finger ring, will be on display with some of the genre’s most memorable threads, artwork and more.