Category Archives: Hip Hop Art and Design | Urban Arts

Ice Cold: Hip-Hop Jewelry Exhibition Shines at New York’s Natural History Museum

March 10, 2024 ItsHipHop Leave a comment

Hip-hop culture has long been synonymous with flashy, extravagant jewelry, and now, some of the most iconic pieces worn by hip-hop legends are set to be showcased in an unexpected venue – New York’s American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).

Scheduled to open on May 9th, the exhibition titled “Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” promises to be a dazzling display of bling and craftsmanship. Among the highlights are the gem-encrusted crown worn by Slick Rick, the legendary gold “Jesus piece” of the Notorious B.I.G., and Nicki Minaj’s sparkling “Barbie” pendant.

Guest curator Vikki Tobak emphasizes the significance of jewelry in hip-hop culture, noting its evolution alongside the rise of the genre itself. “From being a culture formed in communities and neighborhoods, and then stepping into its power and starting to impact global pop culture, hip-hop and its jewelry tell a bigger story,” Tobak said.

The exhibition, housed in the AMNH’s Melissa and Keith Meister Gallery within the new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, is a departure from the museum’s traditional focus on natural history. Known for its extensive displays on science and nature, including dinosaur skeletons and life-size animal exhibits, the AMNH is venturing into new territory with this showcase of hip-hop’s cultural impact.

The museum’s decision to host such an exhibition underscores the significance of hip-hop as a cultural force, especially in its birthplace of New York City. Last year marked the genre’s 50th anniversary, highlighting its enduring influence on music, fashion, and art worldwide.

Admission to the exhibition is included with general museum admission, ranging from $16 to $28 for visitors. With hip-hop jewelry taking center stage in one of New York’s most iconic cultural institutions, “Ice Cold” promises to be a must-see event for fans of both hip-hop and jewelry alike.

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T’yanna Wallace Honors The Notorious B.I.G.’s Legacy with “The Biggie Experience” Museum Opening Today

March 9, 2024 ItsHipHop Leave a comment

T’yanna Wallace Honors The Notorious B.I.G.’s Legacy with “The Biggie Experience” Museum Opening Today!

In the heart of Brooklyn, NY, the spirit of the legendary rapper, The Notorious B.I.G., lives on through the vision of his daughter, T’yanna Wallace. Today, she celebrates the grand opening of “The Biggie Experience,” the first and only museum dedicated to her father’s iconic legacy.

As a successful entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast, T’yanna has made her mark in the world by keeping her dad’s name alive through her innovative business ventures, notably her “Notoriouss Brand.” Now, with the unveiling of “The Biggie Experience,” she takes her commitment to preserving her father’s memory to new heights.

The museum, located just blocks away from the famed Barclays Center in Brooklyn, stands as a testament to Biggie’s enduring influence and impact on hip-hop culture. Curated by the Atlanta based creative agency AK-08 Collaboration, a creative experiential marketing collective, and lead Brooklyn Artist / Designer Greg “Rich Bizarre” Simmons, “The Biggie Experience” features eight interactive exhibits that offer guests a journey down memory lane. The Exhibit Build Out and Design was lead by Rich Bizarre— the man behind some amazing art installations we all may be familiar with. Within 1 month, T’yanna Wallace’s store, formally known as ‘Notoriouss’ in the heart of Brooklyn, was completely transformed into what we now can enjoy as “The Biggie Experience”.

From a peek into “Biggie’s Apt” to a look at artifacts on the “Legacy Display” and the vibe of the famous “Cornerstore Freestyle,” visitors will immerse themselves in the life and music of The Notorious B.I.G. Krystal “KG” Garner, co-founder of AK-08 Collaboration, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to be part of this momentous occasion, fusing our passion for creativity with the iconic legacy of Notorious B.I.G.”

Today’s opening marks a significant milestone, commemorating the 27th anniversary of Biggie’s passing. The museum is set to open to the public on March 9th, 2024 and Rich Bizarre reveals it was worth all the work. “Doing this project really hit home for me! B.I.G. was the one that truly made me fall in love with Hip Hop, he was the soundtrack to my life in the 90s. I’m extremely honored to had been apart of this, and to have T’yanna trust us with this vision! It really takes a village it’s no way I could have done this with out the AK-08 team Lead by Krystal Garner, & my brother G Nice grinding it out with me everyday of that month getting this build out together—Now the world can come enjoy this piece of history. Brooklyn we did it!!!”

For T’yanna Wallace, “The Biggie Experience” is not just a museum; it’s a tribute to her father’s enduring legacy. Through her clothing line, Notoriouss, she has kept her dad’s memory alive for over a decade, and with this new venture, The Notorious B.I.G. will continue to remain timeless.

Reflecting on her inspiration for the museum, T’yanna shared, “I started the museum because I want my dad’s fans as well as people who aren’t as familiar with who he is to REALLY get to know ‘BIGGIE’ on a musical & personal level by having access to an intimate experience. Reading about him on paper is cool, but a visual museum would make people want to connect in person.”

Today, as “The Biggie Experience” opens its doors to the world, T’yanna Wallace celebrates her father’s legacy and invites fans to immerse themselves in the life and music of one of hip-hop’s greatest icons.

Feature photo by Sean Bell

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Museum Of Graffiti Announces Exclusive Product Collaborations With OSGEMEOS, CES and Atomik

November 22, 2023 ItsHipHop Leave a comment

This Art Basel Miami week, the Museum of Graffiti is set to release three exclusive collaborations with today’s top artists. These highly anticipated drops will each take place inside the Museum’s world renown gift shop prior to being made available online.

Kicking off the week on December 6 is the MOG x Atomik Umbrella release party, presented by Only In Dade, starting at 3:05 PM. This event celebrates the collaboration with Adam Vargas, aka Atomik, the mastermind behind Miami’s iconic smiling oranges that have become symbols of the city’s dynamic street culture. The Atomik Umbrella, limited to 300 pieces and priced at $25 USD, will also be available online starting December 7 at 12 PM. Pre-registration for this unique release is open and can be accessed here.

The excitement continues on December 7 with two highly anticipated drops. At 11 AM, the museum will release the limited edition OSGEMEOS Skate Deck, featuring the work of Brazilian twins Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo. Known for their profound impact on the art world, the Pandolfo brothers grew up in São Paulo’s Cambuci district, where they were inspired by the introduction of Hip Hop culture in Brazil. With only 300 pieces available at $150 USD each, this deck is a collector’s dream. Those interested in this exclusive release can pre-register here, and an online release is scheduled for December 8 at 12 PM.

Following the skate deck release, at 2 PM, the museum will host the launch of CES’ first book, “From The Desk of CES.” This hardcover book, priced at $39.99 USD and limited to 1,000 copies, offers a journey into over 100 rare illustrations by the graffiti genius CES. Known for his unique blend of technique, humor, and color, CES’ art captures the essence of hip-hop culture and the resilience of urban life. Pre-registration for this event is available here, and an online release is set for December 11 at 12:00 pm.

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MoPOP Celebrates 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Sir Mix-A-Lot Honored With Hometown Hero Award

November 10, 2023 ItsHipHop Leave a comment

In a dedicated tribute to the cultural force that is hip-hop, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is set to host a monumental event on November 11, 2023, commemorating 50 years of hip-hop artistry and marking National Hip-Hop History Month. The celebration will unfold at MoPOP’s iconic location at 325 5th Avenue N in Seattle, Washington, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Honoring a Hometown Hero

The highlight of the event is the presentation of the Hometown Hero Award to none other than Auburn, Washington native, and hip-hop luminary Sir Mix-A-Lot. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the local and global hip-hop scene, Sir Mix-A-Lot will be bestowed with this prestigious award by MoPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 1:15 p.m. PST, promising an unforgettable moment for hip-hop enthusiasts and the public alike.

A Day of Hip-Hop Extravaganza

The National Hip-Hop History Month Event promises an immersive experience for attendees. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will come alive with a dynamic array of activities, including DJ demos, graffiti techniques, movie screenings, dancing, hip-hop choreography, and exclusive guests. This is not just an event; it’s a journey through the evolution of a genre that has shaped the world’s music, art, and culture.

A Message from the CEO

Michele Y. Smith, MoPOP’s Chief Executive Officer, expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “In celebration of National Hip-Hop History Month, I’m excited to announce Sir Mix-A-Lot as the recipient of our Hometown Hero Award. Sir Mix-A-Lot embodies a true champion of the local Seattle hip-hop community. The team at MoPOP and I are proud to honor him with the award.”

Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Gratitude

In response to the honor, Sir Mix-A-Lot conveyed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you Michele, thank you MoPOP, and most importantly, thank you to the whole Pacific Northwest for not selling out on our culture. I have and always will keep it 100% Sea-Town. FO LIFE.”

For those planning to attend, MoPOP is conveniently located at 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, Washington. Street parking and pay lots are available, with the Gates Foundation Parking garage situated across the street from MoPOP at 5th Avenue N and Harrison Street.

Join MoPOP in this historic celebration of hip-hop’s influence, innovation, and the local legend, Sir Mix-A-Lot. It’s not just an event; it’s a homage to 50 years of a genre that continues to shape the heartbeat of global pop culture.

For more info CLICK HERE

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Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop: Agent X’s Art Collection Takes Center Stage

October 23, 2023 ItsHipHop Leave a comment

Global Art Galleries and Saatchi Art Set the Scene for Milestone Exhibition

In a groundbreaking artistic tribute to the monumental 50-year journey of Hip-Hop, renowned artist Agent X is set to unveil a captivating collection that transcends time, culture, and creativity. Birthed in the heart of the Bronx by DJ Kool Herc on August 11, 1973, Hip-Hop has evolved into a global phenomenon, reshaping societies and establishing itself as a multibillion-dollar cultural force.

Agent X’s latest art collection, a celebration of the Hip-Hop legacy, is poised to make history. Collaborating with Saatchi Art, the world’s premier online art gallery, the exhibition will receive global recognition and a distinguished platform. This noteworthy collection doesn’t stop there. Galleries worldwide will also showcase Agent X’s artwork, allowing art enthusiasts from diverse corners of the globe to engage with the essence of Hip-Hop’s transformative influence.

Agent X’s artistic journey explores the deep-rooted connection between Hip-Hop and contemporary culture. The collection encapsulates the profound impact of Hip-Hop music through a fusion of abstract artistry and the portrayal of iconic figures such as Drake, Jay Z, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Notorious B.I.G., Eminem, and 2Pac.

Agent X’s collection enriches this celebration with a unique artistic perspective. For art enthusiasts, fans of Hip-Hop, and anyone appreciating the power of artistic expression, this exhibition promises to be a transformative experience. Agent X’s art speaks volumes, conveying the evolution of Hip-Hop’s cultural influence.

Stay tuned for the worldwide debut of Agent X’s art collection, marking 50 years of Hip-Hop, as it unfolds on Saatchi Art and other galleries worldwide. Visit www.agentxart.com and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6CKELdvZVE for more information.

About Agent X

Agent X, a renowned artist with international acclaim, has exhibited his unique artworks in art meccas across the globe, including London, Singapore, Los Angeles, Germany, Amsterdam, New York, San Francisco, Spain, and Toronto. His art has graced prestigious galleries, art collectors’ homes, and fans of art worldwide. Agent X’s work effortlessly blends abstract artistry with the

iconic figures that define the world of Hip-Hop, creating an art form that transcends boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences.

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NYC Graffiti Pioneer TRACY 168 Passes Away At 65

October 19, 2023 ItsHipHop Leave a comment

Hip Hop has taken more than a few losses and the graffiti world has not been exempt as one of its giants from the first generation of graffiti, TRACY 168, reportedly past away last month at his home in the Bronx. He was 65 years old.

Born Michael Tracy, He wrote his first tag on an NYC MTA bus in 1969 and never stopped. His graffiti art is recognized as the original “Wild Style” and was a mentor to famous late NYC graff artist turned contemporary art icon Keith Haring. TRACY wrote with some of graff’s most revered writers such as CLIFF, LSD, P NUT SKEME and others. He was an honorary member of legendary South Bronx gang The Black Spades and later formed his own crew known as The Wanted.

TRACY 168 will be sorely missed by the graff community, but his work and art will live on forever.

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