The 1970s witnessed the rise of streetwear, from denim to tennis shoes to casual dresses, all in reaction to the Black Power Movement. When hip-hop emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the already present emphasis on the vernacular style of Black urban life was refined into the iconic looks we know today.

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.

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.

Both hip-hop artists and designers have had a significant impact on American urban life. Designs for public housing influenced the progression of urban environments, while hip-hop has stimulated and transformed public involvement and understanding of these urban environments. Throughout America’s history, public housing has served as the root of urban living, and the designs for these structures all began as a single blueprint or idea, significantly impacting the lives of African Americans.

On October 17, 2017, the Museum held a special tour showcasing the stories of hip-hop to announce the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap, a landmark collection of music, stunning visuals, and powerful stories.

In the 1970s, New York City’s northernmost borough fostered the newly emerging hip-hop music and cultural scene.

Revered by fans and critics for his contributions to hip-hop and r&b, J Dilla's cult status remains strong and his music continues to be celebrated throughout the world.

The style choices of black Americans have made them global trendsetters. Artists like, RUN-DMC, the Kangol Crew, and LL Cool J, gave the British-owned Kangol company and its iconic cap near overnight popularity among hip-hop communities.

The Museum acquired Bill Adler’s Eyejammie Hip-Hop Photography Collection in 2015 providing the impetus to create the recent exhibition, "Represent: Hip-Hop Photography."