Pharoahe Monch, J.Period & More Will Help Open Historic New Museum

This weekend, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture located in Washington, D.C., will open its doors to the public, making it the first institution of its kind in the United States. As part of its grand opening celebration, some of Hip-Hop’s most beloved artists will join forces on Sunday, September 25 to help ring in the historic occasion at an event called The Live Mixtape: Remixing The Narrative.

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Spearheaded by veteran DJ J.Period, the event is described as one which “explores and remixes African-American musical history from its origins in the drum, through the freedom and improvisation of Jazz, the struggle of Civil Rights protest music, and the power and electricity of Hip-Hop and will also feature appearances from Pharoahe Monch, Rhymefest, Dres, M1, Stro Elliot, and more. The live performance event will include improvisational poetry, musical storytelling, and live remixing, bringing an assortment of distinct sounds and styles, much like the artifacts found within the NMAAHC itself. The event is organized by America Divided and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, who have partnered with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

Black Thought & J.Period Are Performing A Live J Dilla Mixtape At Dilla Weekend (Audio)

Heads who are unable to attend the event (which will be taking place at 3pm on the National Mall near the Washington monument) will still have time to witness Hip-Hop’s place in the tapestry of Black history. Located in the exhibit devoted to Black music are items belonging to J Dilla, Outkast, MC Hammer, and other notable musicians. For more information on the museum, Heads can visit NMAAHC’s official website.