HOLLA IF YA HEAR ME: HIP HOP AT 50

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The monumental celebration of 50 years of hip hop. "Holla If Ya Hear Me", sponsored by Technics and Celsius, follows the evolution of this groundbreaking cultural movement from its NY block party origins to becoming a worldwide musical phenomenon.

Hip hop is an immersive, thriving cultural force and the most influential musical development of the last 50 years. Hip Hop at 50: Holla If Ya Hear Me sponsored by Technics and Celsius – open now – takes a journey through the essential breakthrough events and historical moments; through the music’s sound, words, and powerful messages; and illustrates music’s ability to connect us in times of strife and celebration.

This exhibit celebrates the life, music, and cultural impact of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s hip hop Inductees and expands beyond their influence to look at the key artists, styles, and moments from hip hop history.

Get the first look at few signature items below from this in-depth exhibit, open now only in Cleveland.

LL COOL J Ring, c. 1989. LL COOL J has worn this signature four-finger ring in numerous promotional photos, as well as on the cover of his fourth studio LP, Mama Said Knock You Out.

Salt-N-Pepa Jackets, 2018. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton wore these jackets in 2018 during their I Love the ‘90s residency at the Paris Theater in Las Vegas, the first hip hop residency on the Vegas strip.

Chip Shearin Bass Guitar, 1977 Fender Precision. Producer and bassist Chip Shearin used this bass guitar in a recording session, where he was brought in to play the bass line from Chic’s “Good Times” for fifteen minutes straight. The results of that session were then sampled on The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight.”

Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell of Run-D.M.C. Tuxedo, 1985. Run-D.M.C. is credited with breaking hip-hop into the mainstream. Their 1984 self-titled debut album was the first hip hop album to achieve gold certification.