Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

The Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap explores hip-hop’s widespread cultural impact over the last 45 years — and chronicles the genesis, rise and evolution of hip-hop as a social and musical movement.

A first-of-its-kind collector’s item, the Anthology captures hip-hop's evolution from its earliest days in the late 70s to today’s contemporary artists (1979-2013). It features 9 CDs with 129 tracks, and a 300-page, coffee-table book with 11 essays and never-before-seen photographs and designs by Cey Adams, artist and founding creative director of Def Jam.

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From the outset, we wanted the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap to be reflective of the culture, of the music, of the people, of everything that is part of hip-hop. Dwandalyn R. Reece "Producer's Note," Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

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After some back and forth, MC Lyte asked a simple question which set the course for the rest of the day, 'Can the song tell the story of hip-hop? A lot of songs on the list are popular and received a lot of votes, but did that song move the culture any further?...'
Dwandalyn R. Reece
"Producer's Note," Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

Outkast with the award for Digital Track of the Year at the 2003 Billboard Music Awards.

Five Things to See: The Fashion of Hip-Hop

From the leather and feather of early MCs, to the classic New York City streetwear of 90s, to the revival of Afrocentric garb, to the big brand clothing line of moguls, fashion has been central to hip-hop identity.

Rapper Flavor Flav and DJ Terminator X of Public Enemy performs at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois in December 1990

Five Things to See: The Technology of Hip-Hop

Whether it’s the synthesizer sounds of the 80s, cross-genre MP3 mashups of the 90s, or the popularization of autotune in the 2000s, technology has always been a driving force behind hip-hop music.

Public Enemy crosshairs logo necklace owned by Chuck D, ca.1990, Gift of Public Enemy

Track sheet used during the recording of "Ladies First" by Queen Latifah, October 13, 1989, Gift of Mark James

Microphone box used by Ralph McDaniels on the television show Video Music Box, ca. 1988, Gift of Ralph McDaniels,

Boombox used by Public Enemy, ca. 1986, Gift of Public Enemy

Eyepatch worn by Slick Rick, 1980s - 2000s, Gift of Ricky Walters, professionally known as Slick Rick

Turntable used by Grand Wizzard Theodore, 2000s, Gift of Grand Wizzard Theodore

Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

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Anthology Track Listing

Five Things to See: The Fashion of Hip-Hop

Five Things to See: The Technology of Hip-Hop