In an assuming gallery just outside of downtown Detroit, a major exhibit documenting the past 50 years of hip-hop is a show you shouldn’t miss.
Like the genre itself, “Hip Hop Evolution: Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop Photography” is heavy on telling a story. This time, however, it’s told through photography instead of lyrics.
“Hip Hop Evolution” is on view now through April 30 inside of the Wayne County Community College District’s Downtown Art Gallery at 801 West Forst St. Major extra credit points for this gallery boasting robust hours from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays, making it more accessible to the public than some smaller galleries and operating more like a museum would.
Photojournalist Andre Smith is the man behind the lens. It’s a major moment for the talented Detroiter whose work you may have seen locally in the Detroit News, or nationally in Ebony. Another exhibit of Smith’s — “American Odyssey: A Photographic Journey into the Obama Presidency” — was hosted at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
“I designed this exhibit to be an educational exhibit,” says Smith. “So, not only will the guests get large, colorful pictures, but they’ll also learn about the evolution of hip-hop from its founders alongside people who have taken it to the next level.”
There’s the early trailblazers —Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, DJ Kool Herc — plus “Golden Age” icons, like Slick Rick, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J ,and Run-DMC. Of course, there’s a Detroit section (there’s nothing we love more in Detroit than ourselves — let’s be honest), featuring a behemoth like Eminem as well as the next generation of local talent including Skilla Baby and Tee Grizzley.
Even people behind-the-scenes get their due through Smith’s vision, including Sylvia Robinson, of Sugar Hill Records. Smith dubbed her “the Berry Gordy of hip-hop music.”
“She was the one who founded Sugar Hill Records and produced the first commercially successfully hip-hop record ‘Rapper’s Delight,’” explains Smith.
Smith found himself at the right place and right time to document this evolution of one of the youngest and most exciting musical genres.
“I became a photojournalist during the golden age of hip-hop,” recalls Smith. “I covered so many of the shows with a lot of backstage access and capturing really important moments that took place.”
There’s mixing boards, turntables and emerging technology on view, too, showing off Smith’s want for more texture to the exhibit alongside his photos. “The early items that hip-hop pioneers were using to make their music,” Smith explains. “I’ve got cameras, albums, and even hip-hop 45s. People will get a chance to see those, too. It shows how the music evolved.”
Smith hopes the exhibit helps give more legitimacy to hip-hop which, for some reason, is still a conversation in the zeitgeist at times.
“Hip hop has definitely changed,” says Smith. “I recently covered GloRilla, Sexxy Red, Skilla Baby, Kash Doll, and Tee Grizzley. I’ve got those images in the exhibit because I wanted to give young people something to look at and connect to. There’s something for everybody if you love hip-hop music.”
And even if you’re on the edge, this exhibit may just convert you.
For more information, visit wcccd.edu. Plus, find details about even more museum exhibits and other things to do in metro Detroit at hourdetroit.com.
Photographs from the Exhibit
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