As Black Music Month approaches, Rice University’s Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) and Fondren Library have partnered with the Houston Public Library and the CCM Foundation to help present the “Straight Flexin’, No Plexin’” hip-hop exhibit.
This immersive exhibit, to be held in the Vinson Branch Library at Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center throughout June, will showcase an unparalleled collection of artifacts and memorabilia from hip-hop icons such as Swishahouse, E-40 and Scotty ATL. It will also include exclusive, never-before-seen items from rapper and record producer Pimp C.
Many items to be featured are from CERCL’s Hip Hop Archival Collection , housed at the Woodson Research Center Special Collections and Archives in Fondren Library.
“It’s important not only to preserve items from this cultural expression known as hip-hop but to share it with varied audiences at events like these,” said Maya Reine, associate director of CERCL. “This exhibit in collaboration with our longstanding community partners serves CERCL’s commitment to highlight hip-hop’s role as a space where community and intellectual leadership is generated and cultivated. Our aim is to share these items and more at similar events in the future.”
“We are delighted to facilitate this important cultural celebration and to share such pivotal elements of hip-hop history with our community,” said Co Garrett, CERCL archive acquisitions community affiliate. “The exhibit is designed to be an enlightening journey through the legacy of hip-hop, offering a tribute to the artists and movements that have impacted our musical landscape.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public and will have several special events planned throughout the month.
For more information, visit the event webpage.