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A new immersive exhibit offers a chance to go back in time to the beginning of hip-hop while also speeding ahead into the future of the genre. "Hip Hop Til Infinity," the latest installation coming to the resplendent Hall des Lumières, is one of more than a dozen NYC events celebrating the genre's 50th birthday.
The immersive exhibit is now open in Lower Manhattan with tickets available through September 17. Tickets start at $42/person for a chance to be transported through hip-hop's different eras and regions, from skate parks to the stage to the metaverse.
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The two-level experience begins with an immersive video experience, exploring hip-hop's roots, highlighting hip-hop's biggest stars and playing some of the genre's most iconic songs. One segment focuses on "real spitters," the lyricists of hip-hop; projections of their lyrics fill the room and even spin past on the floor. Other segments highlight the southern influence on hip-hop and the west coast style. Some of the artists highlighted include: Grandmaster Flash, Rakim, Nas, Lauryn Hill, Big Pun, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, and many, many more.
After that, head downstairs to the explore even more history. There's a 10-minute documentary on hip-hop's origins, which offers a deep dive into how Kool Herc's Jamaican heritage brought the island's musical customs to New York City helping form the basis of the genre.
Also in the basement level, check out a mini museum called "Lock Ur Sh*t Up," which showcases archival hip-hop memorabilia, like magazines, stickers, tapes and clothing. And don't miss a chance to step into the building's vault, which has been transformed into an infinity room-style exhibition showing footage from Ralph McDaniels' "Video Music Box" TV series.
In addition to the main event, the exhibition will also feature interactive programming, including virtual concerts, live panels, listening parties, artist meet-and-greets and more—details to be announced.
Fifty years ago this summer, hip-hop was born during a back-to-school party in the Bronx. With its five elements of DJing, emceeing, breakdancing, graffiti artistry and knowledge, the genre grew into an international sensation—and the immersive experience pays tribute to each element.
"Hall des Lumières is honored to host this commemorative installation celebrating such an important cultural milestone," said Tim Ceci, Managing Director of Hall des Lumières. "It's exciting to offer this experience to our guests, something totally unique from our previous two exhibitions, and we’re grateful to our partners at Mass Appeal and SUPERBIEN and Certified for their collaboration."
The exhibition took root when Mass Appeal CEO Peter Bittenbender happened to visit Hall des Lumières and got the idea for a hip-hop exhibition. He calls it a "visual mixtape."
Previously, Hall des Lumières hosted an immersive art exhibit on Gustav Klimt and an immersive space experience. If you haven't been to Hall des Lumières yet, the venue itself is spectacular with digital projections dancing atop ornate architecture. Hall des Lumières is Manhattan’s largest permanent center for custom-designed immersive art experiences, staging new custom-created experiences every 10-12 months. The building is the former Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank at 49 Chambers Street opposite Manhattan’s City Hall Park.
"Hip Hop Til Infinity" is co-produced by global entertainment company Mass Appeal and hybrid creative studio SUPERBIEN, in partnership with Certified, Sony Music Entertainment’s platform dedicated to celebrating hip-hop.