Smithsonian to Honor Bronx, New York as ‘Place of Innovation’ In Hip Hop
The Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center in Washington, D.C. is set to honor The Bronx, New York as a “place of innovation” in setting the early foundation of Hip Hop music and culture.
The exhibit, opening in 2015, will also feature Hollywood and Silicon Valley, California.
The Bronx is widely heralded as the birthplace of Hip Hop.
“We wanted to show that it’s not just a single inventor who creates something, but really a community that creates the right recipe for an invention,” Fritzsch (exhibit curator) stated, in the NY Daily News. “The Bronx (in the 1970s) is an interesting contrast to Silicon Valley, which is kind of the stereotypical example. Inventors in the Bronx had a lot of hands-on skills and were able to apply that in ways that led to the creation of these innovative sound systems.”
The exhibit will also honor pioneers of the culture. Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc and Grand Wizzard Theodore will all be highlighted. Flash will be honored for the crossfader, Herc for his use of Jamaican sound systems and Theodore for scratching.
Aside from pioneers, the exhibit will also feature important historical pieces. Visitors can expect to find Hip Hop posters, video clips and boomboxes. Visitors will also be able to see vinyl records and they’ll even have an opportunity to scratch and mix.
Are you excited to see The Bronx and Hip Hop being recognized in this way?
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