Origins of Hip-Hop and Rap Explored In Smithsonian ‘Anthology’

In advance of its approaching fifth anniversary in September, the National Museum of African American History and Culture — in partnership with Smithsonian Folkways Recordings — has slated Aug. 20 as the release date for the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap.

Rappers MC Lyte and Public Enemy’s Chuck D, writer-scholars Adam Bradley and Cheryl Keyes, early Def Jam senior executives Bill Adler and Bill Stephney, artist-writer-director Questlove and producer-educator 9th Wonder were among the key figures comprising an executive committee that began discussing the anthology’s premise in 2014. Over the ensuing seven years, an additional panel of advisors representing all facets of hip-hop culture was also assembled.

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