Smithsonian’s NMAAHC Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip Hop With 2nd Annual Block Party

Hip-Hop you the love of our life!

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) brought back the Hip-Hop Block Party for its second year, this time in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the genre, and of course, Because Of Them We Can was in attendance. A celebration of the pioneering genre, the party featured “multi-generational performances by some of hip-hop’s most influential DJs, artists and cultural influencers.” An event that attracted thousands to the nation’s capital, there were interactive elements like graffiti art and breakdancing, as well as hip-hop focused tours of NMAAHC’s galleries and a delicious hip-hop inspired culinary menu. 

“The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) welcomes the return of its Hip-Hop Block Party…celebrating the culture and music originated and shaped by Black America for decades. This year’s celebration will honor 50 years of hip-hop’s artistry, innovation, and global transcendence,” a statement via the website read. 

Smithsonian’s NMAAHC Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip Hop With 2nd Annual Block Party/DJ Beauty & The Beatz DJ’s Smithsonian’s NMAAHC #HipHop50 Block Party VIP Director’s House Party/Photo Courtesy of Veracity Savant

Bronx hip-hop veteran DJ Kid Capri and DJ Beauty & The Beatz performed at the VIP “Director’s House Party” reception with Hip Hop legends like Fab 5 Freddy also in attendance. The day-long event featured Hip Hop Yoga and trivia games as well as screenings in the Oprah Winfrey Theater of hip hop classics like “Graffiti Rock” and “Wild Style.” Before the night closed, the main stage was graced with performances from Adam Blackstone alongside DC’s own Sugar Bear of the legendary go-go band EU, hip hop artists Mumu Fresh and Remy Ma were present for the J.Period Live Mixtape, as well as a surprise performance from Hip-Hop icon Queen Latifah who performed her smash hit “Ladies First” alongside Monie Love.

The event attracted tens of thousands who joined in person and watched via livestream. With 8,000 attendees at the 2022 inaugural launch, this year’s event definitely saw at least double that amount with a sea of attendees all congregated for the love of hip-hop. Along with its live elements, the NMAAHC also shared archival photos and videos along with Hip-Hop history lessons via its social media accounts all month and released a limited edition Hip-Hop 50 Block Party merch collection complete with t-shirts, tumblers, bucket hats, and cassette tape covered Hip Hop 50 tote. 

“Thank you to everyone who stopped by our #HipHop50 Block Party to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop as a musical genre and a movement…Our museum will continue our commitment to presenting the voices, memories, and belongings of the fans, critics, and communities that contribute to this ever-growing musical form,” NMAAHC said via social media.

Click here to see the #HipHop50 Block Party recap. Hope to see you all next year!

Cover photo: Smithsonian’s NMAAHC Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip Hop With 2nd Annual Block Party/Smithsonian’s NMAAHC #HipHop50 Block Party/Photo Courtesy of Rob Stewart/NMAAHC