I hopped out of the Lyft and landed right in front of Brooklyn Bowl, stepping into a living tribute to hip-hop’s golden era. The air was electric with nostalgia and admiration as we celebrated the past, present, and future of the culture ”anchored by the legendary Uncle Ralph McDaniels. His birthday wasn’t just a party; it was a testament to the empire he built, the artists he uplifted, and the generations he inspired.
On Thursday, December 2nd, 2021 Mass Appeal and Showtime presented a private viewing of the HIPHOP50 pop-up experience. Located in Tribeca, this exhibit pays homage to late photographer Ricky Powell, Video Music Box, and Showtime documentary Rolling Like Thunder. Any fans of that classic New York or 90s era of hip-hop should definitely visit the exhibit. The exhibit is open to the public December 3rd- December 19th, 2021.
The first installation mimics scenes similar to Washington Square Park. There is a Frozade stand, several park benches and classic memorabilia and merchandise from the 1990s. Visitors have a section where they can watch break dancers and fully immerse themselves in a blast from the past. This installation was a beautiful tribute to the inspiration and influences of Ricky Powell. All lovers of photography will definitely resonate with this exhibit!
The second installation is a VIP section backstage at a hip-hop concert. The attention to detail is completely breathtaking! The VIP section contains old-school televisions, and a cardboard figure of Video Music Box host Ralph McDaniels. The Video Music Box station is very immersive and you can even use the microphone to create your own “shoutouts” similar to those that artists did back in the day! All avid fans of hip-hop concerts from the 90’s should particularly take a liking to this exhibit.
The third and final installation pays tribute to showtime documentary Rolling Like Thunder. This room allows guests to have an up-close and personal view of the railyards. It contains gravel, graffiti and train tracks. There is a beautiful gallery of notable freight train graffiti artists that was curated by director Roger Gastman. This installation is interactive as well and you can tag the wall with your own form of graffiti so others can see your own personal creations! If you love art and graffiti, you will definitely appreciate this viewing!
The exhibit encompasses all things that helped develop the creation of Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop is more than just a genre, it is a culture. Created in New York, this exhibit helps older hip-hop fans remember the era when hip-hop was at what some consider its peak, and newer hip-hop fans to appreciate the history and richness of its culture. The HIPHOP50 pop-up experience is interactive and fun to walk through. Anyone who considers themselves a lover of hip-hop should definitely come visit the exhibit before December 19th! The address is 381 Broadway New York, NY 10013 open from 3pm-7pm EST.
