Explore hip-hop and rap-related collections from across the Smithsonian that offer perspective on the African American experience and its impact on American culture. Visit an online experience on the origins of hip-hop by the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Check out the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap that includes more than 120 tracks and a 300-page book with 11 essays and never-before-seen photographs and designs by Cey Adams, artist and founding creative director of Def Jam Recordings. The Anthology captures the evolution of hip-hop from its earliest days in the late 70s up to contemporary artists of today.
Lean more about the diverse history of hip-hop with Meaning in Music, a five-part video series from the Smithsonian Channel and MTV News, featuring experts from across the Smithsonian Institution. The series is free to watch and share on Facebook.