As seen, felt, and experienced by THHM team members

Among the ways Hip Hop culture thrives is via active expression of appreciation. In May 1998, KRS-One declared the 19^th through the 24^th to be the first ever Hip Hop Appreciation Week. To move everything, and everyone, forward while sustaining integrity and dedication to its origins, everyone was called upon to preserve and protect what is today’s most popular genre of music.

We called upon some of our most active team members to share what they appreciate about Hip Hop and how their work at the THHM affects and supports it. Check out what these leaders had to say. 

Kylerr Bucano – Social Media Manager & Docent, [R]Evolution of Hip Hop

I appreciate the true essence of Hip Hop culture and how we, as a people, can use it to create change in our communities. I believe Hip Hop is Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream. 

When school groups come to the exhibit, I always challenge them to use Hip Hop to create change in their schools and communities; most of them accept that challenge. You can see this when visitors from all over the world come to our exhibit and enjoy the experience together. The visitors party together, have fun together, understand the time period together, and they leave with a true understanding of what Hip Hop is. 

SenYon Kelly – Operations Manager & Co-Curator

I appreciate that Hip Hop is grounded in community and, through creativity and storytelling, brings people together from all over the world. Through the brilliant minds of people who were forced to think outside of their conditions came a beautiful thing: Hip Hop. 

Through my contribution as a co-curator, I ensure that Hip Hop history is shared accurately, and that people are included in the history. My favorite components are the Hip Hop timelines. Via these snapshots of milestones and important accomplishments throughout Hip Hop’s rich history, people from all generations are educated by and informed of the past, present, and where Hip Hop is going. 

Adam Silverstein – Director of Archives & Collections

“I appreciate Hip Hop because I believe it is the most connective culture the world has ever seen. I’ve seen Hip Hop bring people together and create understanding all over the world. The more people realize how they are connected to Hip Hop, the more they realize how they are connected to humanity.

By collecting the physical and digital manifestations of the culture, the Museum intends to use these artifacts to inspire, empower, and promote understanding through exhibitions, preservation, and education.”

Pamela French – Content Producer & Associate Curator

Hip Hop is a form of expression that allows artists to tell their stories and share their experiences with the world. It has been a catalyst for innovation and creativity. Producers and artists have pushed the boundaries of what is possible with music by incorporating different genres and experimenting with new sounds and visuals.

I appreciate how significant Hip Hop’s impact has been on music and culture. It has given a voice to those who have been silenced, and it has inspired generations of artists and fans. It gave me a platform in, and an introduction to, the industry. As a white woman, initially I was concerned how I would be received in a primarily Black urban music genre. The Hip Hop community has always welcomed me with open arms, and this acceptance permitted me to immerse fully in the culture and more meaningfully connect with fans and fellow artists.

Through my role at The Hip Hop Museum, where I am free to be creative and combine my artistry with my urban sensibility, I work with many talented artists. We collaborate to create impactful and visually stunning videos.

Pete Nice – Co-Curator

I curate THHM’s temporary exhibitions, collect artifacts for THHM’s permanent collection, and help to plan and design the space designated to house permanent exhibitions.

What I appreciate most about Hip Hop is its power to connect people with diverse backgrounds, around the world, who participate in a culture born in my own backyard.

What I do for the museum is undeniably connected to why I appreciate Hip Hop. As a white kid growing up in Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, I was introduced to Hip Hop before that term was even used. Hip Hop was the backdrop of my childhood and teenage years. By the time I graduated college, I had signed a recording contract with Def Jam. Soon after, I was touring the world with the likes of Public Enemy. To say I was living a dream is an understatement. 

While I don’t consider myself a pioneer in any way, because I’m too young to claim that, I recognize how lucky I’ve been to be a part of this Hip Hop community. I have always appreciated and given the utmost respect to all the MCs, DJs, dancers, and artists who created and nurtured Hip Hop in its earliest days and have not received the proper recognition or compensation. I consider my position at THHM a way to give back to this community and to shine a light on all pioneers who deserve the accolades that have eluded them. 

As the co-curator of THHM, with my brother Paradise Gray, every day is an opportunity to pay homage to those who put in the work and created Hip Hop in one place: New York City.

by The Hip Hop Museum team members, and Kate Harvie