The Smithsonian
Institute’s National Museum of American History is in the process of launching
and hosting "Hip-Hop Won’t Stop," the museum’s first-ever on going
and evolving exhibit on Hip-Hop culture in the The Smithsonian.
Ice T., Russell
Simmons, Crazy Legs and others will hold a press conference on Feb. 28 at the
New York Hilton, where a list of artists that will assist the museum in documenting
Hip-Hop’s 30-year history will be announced.
The project will
trace Hip-Hop from it’s origins in the 1970’s to its current global domination.
The exhibit will
showcase a permanent collection, with various artists donating an artifact to
the exhibit. Vinyl records, handwritten lyrics, boom boxes, clothing, microphones
and other artifacts will be featured.
The museum is also
working with Bill Adler, Mark Shimmel of Mark Shimmel Music, Dr. Benjamin Chavis
and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network.
Founded nearly
50 years ago, the Museum of American History collects and preserves more than
3 million artifacts.
The exhibitions
explore major themes in American history and culture, from the War of Independence
to present day.
Some 4 million
visitors pass through the museum’s doors each year to view the exhibitions,
collections and research facilities.