The first ever Hip Hop museum is entering phase 2 of its funding campaign to raise $100 million. The Universal Hip Hop Museum, located in the South Bronx, was first granted $3.5 million by New York City and raised $23 million in phase 1.
“The time for Hip Hop to have its home has come,” Michael Blake, Chief Strategist of the museum, said. “Now, it’s Time 2 Build. Our $100 million Capital Campaign, which is in five phases to signify the five elements of Hip Hop, will ensure that the Official Record of Hip Hop is cemented where it should be, in the South Bronx, the South-South Bronx!”
Earlier in the week, the museum had a 3D virtual tour narrated by radio personality Barbara “Roxie” Delaleu, Civil Rights activist Dr. Benjamin Chavis, the museum’s founder and executive director Rocky Bucano, Blake, and iHeart Radio’s DJ Spark.
“It is a pivotal time now more than ever that we bring this museum to life,” Bucano said. “It is a cultural timestamp that will bridge the Hip Hop and Bronx community with a permanent place to call home but we can not do it without your support. This capital campaign is a call to action to ensure we preserve the culture.”
As a cultural landmark that pioneered the Hip Hop movement, South Bronx will be home to the museum which will be constructed on 60,000 square feet of the borough. It will share land with a public green space, playground and a new affordable housing development.
The museum will celebrate Hip Hop by providing virtual reality and cultural exhibits, along with immersive storytelling experiences. Hip Hop legends, such as Nas, Kurtis Blow, Grandmaster Melly Mel, LL Cool J and Chuck D, will also have their hand in contributing to the value of the museum.
Universal Hip Hop Museum is expected to open in 2023.
