Past Exhibitions | Oct, 4 2025 9:00AM - Jan, 4 2026 5:00PM
Visitors stepped into the story of hip-hop like never before. The LBJ Presidential Library presented Hip-Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit, curated by the GRAMMY Museum®. This groundbreaking exhibition celebrated hip-hop’s rise from street culture to the global stage—shaping music, fashion, business, and activism—while spotlighting themes that echoed President Johnson’s legacy: social change, civic engagement, and the fight for equality. And the experience didn’t stop there. Inside the exhibit, visitors experienced hip-hop’s story through a 200-song playlist that traced the genre’s evolution—letting them feel the beat as they explored the culture—alongside legendary artifacts, including:
- Chuck D’s handwritten lyrics to “Fight the Power”
- Black suede fedora hat and Adidas Superstars belonging to Darryl “DMC” McDaniels of Run-D.M.C.
- Egyptian Lover’s gold Roland 808, the beat-making tool that helped ignite hip-hop
- Kangol hat and TROOP velour jacket worn by LL Cool J
- Jumpsuit worn by b-boy Doze Green of the Rock Steady Crew in their 1984 music video, “Uprock”
- MC Lyte’s custom “Timbs” the Timberland 6” work boots, designed by Tre Major for Lyte’s 2003 music video, “Ride Wit Me”
- Pair of Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson’s Vic Firth signature drumsticks
- The iconic 5001 Flavors custom red leather peacoat (circa 1992) worn by B.I.G.
Courtesy of Chuck D and the Public Enemy Group
Courtesy of MC Lyte
Courtesy of the GRAMMY Museum permanent collection
Courtesy of Sergio Ornelas and Stephanie “DJ Stef” Ornelas
