The Australian Music Vault continues to expand with today's announcement of its brand new hip hop display.
Costumes, microphones, samplers, posters, awards, magazines, rare records and CDs are being showcased at Arts Centre Melbourne from huge local names including AB Original, Hilltop Hoods, Tkay Maidza, Baker Boy, Illy and Sampa The Great.
"Hip hop has been a vibrant part of Australian culture for almost 40 years yet it remains a largely misunderstood art form," Australian Music Vault senior curator Carolyn Laffan said.
"We’re hoping that by shining a light on the stories of Australia’s hip hop pioneers and emerging superstars we’ll kick-start a new conversation about hip hop’s positive messages of inclusion, community and respect."
Also on display is the 2004 ARIA Award for Best Urban Release, won by Koolism (DJ Danielsan and MC Hau), which was the first time the genre was recognised at a national level.
“The culture of hip hop has been deeply rooted in Australia's soil since the '80s. From the early '90s, I've personally seen the hip hop culture grow from humble beginnings to becoming a mainstream genre, winning prestigious awards and earning plaques, to now being a part of an exhibition in Arts Centre Melbourne," Hau said.
"To have our culture featured in the Australian Music Vault to be preserved and appreciated by young and old is amazing. It has been quite a journey and I'm thankful to bear witness."
Australian Music Vault presents Hip Hop opens today; for more details, click here.
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