The Hip Hop Museum

The Hip Hop Museum The Hip Hop Museum—Opening Fall 2026. Under construction now at Bronx Point. Help us build it.
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The Universal Hip Hop Museum is dedicated to the preservation, education and celebration of Hip Hop Culture's rich history and legacy. The museum primary objective is to tell a complete story of Hip Hop Culture beginning with the many musical influences that began in the African tribal communities, beginning with the early 1920's jazz s**t songs and following with early soul artists of the 1950's

& 1960's and then onto the birth of Hip Hop and continuing on to today's expanding culture. The complete historical timeline of Hip Hop culture from the early influences all the way through to today's global transformation of the culture will be featured by use latest advances in new technology to exclusive exhibits that won't be seen anywhere else. The museum will advance the growth and global understanding of Hip Hop Culture from its vast library of researched and acquired content from music, poetry, film, dance, television, art, dancing and theater. The Universal Hip Hop Museum will open in 2024 and is now accepting resumes and donations.

06/18/2026

“I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5, released in 1969, was written and produced by The Corporation, the legendary Motown songwriting team consisting of Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren, Alphonzo Mizell, and Deke Richards. The song launched The Jackson 5 into superstardom, showcasing the youthful energy of Michael Jackson and helping establish one of the most successful groups in music history. Its infectious groove, memorable melodies, and timeless arrangement have made it a favorite source for sampling across generations.

For “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” Kanye West took elements from “I Want You Back,” slowing the sample down, chopping it into sections, and repeating select portions to create the song’s signature groove. He then layered additional drums over the sample, transforming the Jackson 5 classic into the soulful foundation of one of Jay-Z’s most recognizable records. The production showcased Kanye’s ability to reimagine familiar songs while preserving the energy and emotion that made the original timeless.

Released on The Blueprint in 2001, “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” became one of Jay-Z’s biggest songs and helped introduce Kanye West to a wider audience as a producer. The record played a major role in shaping the sound of early 2000s Hip Hop and demonstrated how classic soul and R&B recordings could be reimagined for a new generation through the art of sampling.

Be part of our ongoing donation campaign for Black Music Month! Join us and donate $1 to our “1 Dollar, 1 Mic, 1 Movement” campaign and let’s make history together in helping to build the first museum for Hip Hop in New York. To donate, text 1DollarForHipHop to 707070 or go to thhm.org/1dollar.

06/16/2026

“I Get Lifted” by George McCrae, released in 1974, became one of the standout soul and disco records of the decade. Known for his smooth vocals and feel-good sound, McCrae helped define an era of dance music that would later provide inspiration for generations of Hip Hop producers. The song’s infectious groove, uplifting energy, and memorable melody made it a favorite among DJs and crate diggers alike.

For “Gin and Juice,” Dr. Dre sampled elements of “I Get Lifted,” including the song’s signature laid-back bassline, which became a defining element of the record’s unmistakable groove. Drawing from George McCrae’s original recording, Dre incorporated the bassline into a smooth, funk-infused production that perfectly complemented Snoop Doggy Dogg’s storytelling and effortless flow. The sample helped create the relaxed, cruising atmosphere that made the song an anthem of West Coast Hip Hop.

Released in 1993 on Do******le, “Gin and Juice” became one of Snoop Dogg’s signature records and a defining song of the G-funk era. The combination of Dr. Dre’s production, Snoop’s charismatic delivery, the feature of Daz Dillinger and George McCrae’s musical influence helped create a timeless Hip Hop classic that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Be part of our ongoing donation campaign for Black Music Month! Join us and donate $1 to our “1 Dollar, 1 Mic, 1 Movement” campaign and let’s make history together in helping to build the first museum for Hip Hop in New York. To donate, text 1DollarForHipHop to 707070 or go to thhm.org/1dollar.

06/14/2026

“Jessica” by Herbie Hancock, released in 1969 on the Fat Albert Rotunda album, showcased the legendary pianist’s ability to blend jazz, soul, and cinematic storytelling into a single composition. Decades later, the song would become the source of one of Hip Hop’s most iconic samples.

For Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Pt. II,” Havoc took a portion of “Jessica,” slowed it down, pitched it, and chopped it into a haunting loop that became the foundation of the record’s unmistakable sound. The transformation was so dramatic that many listeners never realized the sample originated from a Herbie Hancock jazz composition. The result was a dark and atmospheric backdrop that perfectly matched Mobb Deep’s vivid portrayal of life in Queensbridge.

Released in 1995, “Shook Ones Pt. II” became the signature song of Mobb Deep and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hip Hop records ever made. Havoc’s production and Prodigy’s unforgettable verses helped define the sound of East Coast Hip Hop during the 1990s, while the song’s influence continues to be felt across generations of artists and producers. Although other records contributed elements to the final production, it was Herbie Hancock’s “Jessica” that served as the centerpiece of one of the most celebrated beats in Hip Hop history.

Be part of our ongoing donation campaign for Black Music Month! Join us and donate $1 to our “1 Dollar, 1 Mic, 1 Movement” campaign and let’s make history together in helping to build the first museum for Hip Hop in New York. To donate, text 1DollarForHipHop to 707070 or go to thhm.org/1dollar.

06/13/2026

“Prison Song” by Carlton Williams, released in 1976 on The Selma Album, was written, composed, and produced by Tommy Butler, the playwright and musician behind the Selma stage production. While Butler was the creative force behind the song, Carlton Williams delivered the lead vocals that brought the record’s emotion and power to life. The song’s unforgettable flute melody and soulful arrangement would later become one of the most recognizable samples in modern Hip Hop.

For Future’s “Mask Off,” producer Metro Boomin sampled the opening flute passage from “Prison Song” and transformed it into one of the defining sounds of the 2010s. Rather than simply looping the sample, Metro pitched it down to create a darker feel, matched it to the song’s trap tempo, and manipulated the audio to build the swirling, pulsing introduction that immediately captures the listener’s attention. When Future delivers the opening line, the effect drops away and the drums hit, revealing the now-iconic flute melody at the center of the record.

Released in 2017, “Mask Off” became one of Future’s most successful songs and further cemented Metro Boomin’s reputation as one of Hip Hop’s premier producers. The song introduced a new generation of listeners to the work of Tommy Butler and Carlton Williams. Tommy Butler’s songwriting credit on the record reflects the enduring influence of “Prison Song” and its impact across generations of Black music.

Be part of our ongoing donation campaign for Black Music Month! Join us and donate $1 to our “1 Dollar, 1 Mic, 1 Movement” campaign and let’s make history together in helping to build the first museum for Hip Hop in New York. To donate, text 1DollarForHipHop to 707070 or go to thhm.org/1dollar.

⚽🎤 NAS LIVE AT FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ GROUP STAGE HQ – QUEENS! 🌍🔥🎟️ FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY courtesy of The Hip Hop Museum! 🎟️T...
06/11/2026

⚽🎤 NAS LIVE AT FIFA WORLD CUP 26™ GROUP STAGE HQ – QUEENS! 🌍🔥

🎟️ FREE TICKET GIVEAWAY courtesy of The Hip Hop Museum! 🎟️

The FIFA World Cup 26™ excitement is coming to Queens with a historic opening concert featuring one of Hip Hop’s greatest voices, Nas, alongside an incredible global lineup including Erick the Architect, Aria Vega, Juls, M.anifest, and Miyachi.

📅 June 12
📍 USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
🌳 Flushing Meadows Park, Queens

This is where football, music, and culture collide as New York City kicks off the road to FIFA World Cup 26™.

Want to attend for FREE?

✅ Follow The Hip Hop Museum
✅ Like this post
✅ Share this post to your Story and tag us
✅ DM us “Nas World Cup”

Winners will be selected while tickets last. Don’t wait—once they’re gone, they’re gone!

06/11/2026

“I Like Funky Music” by Uncle Louie, released in 1979, blended disco, funk, and dance music into an infectious groove that would later become part of Hip Hop history. The record was arranged and produced by Walter Murphy, best known for the disco hit “A Fifth of Beethoven,” whose contributions helped shape its distinctive sound. The 12-inch version released on Marlin Records became a favorite among DJs and crate diggers because it featured an extended breakdown and a famous drum solo not found on the original LP version, making it an ideal source for sampling and beat creation.

Released in 1984, “It’s Yours” by T La Rock and Jazzy Jay was primarily produced by Rick Rubin, who also programmed the beats, while Jazzy Jay played a massive role as co-producer, providing the cuts, scratches, and signature DJ flavor that helped define the record’s sound. The song drew from the arrangement, instrumentation, and groove of Uncle Louie’s recording to help create one of the most influential records of Hip Hop’s early years.

Often regarded as one of the songs that changed the course of Hip Hop history, “It’s Yours” helped establish Def Jam Recordings as a major force in the culture and laid the foundation for the label’s future success. Its stripped-down production, hard-hitting delivery, and innovative approach influenced generations of artists and producers, proving how a sample from a late-1970s funk record became part of the blueprint for Hip Hop’s evolution.

Be part of our ongoing donation campaign for Black Music Month! Join us and donate $1 to our “1 Dollar, 1 Mic, 1 Movement” campaign and let’s make history together in helping to build the first museum for Hip Hop in New York. To donate, text 1DollarForHipHop to 707070 or go to thhm.org/1dollar.

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585 Exterior Street
The Bronx, NY
10451

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