Leeds Hiphop 2024 Exhibition: A Hip Hop Journey 50 Years of Kulture

Leeds Hiphop 2024 Exhibition: A Hip Hop Journey 50 Years of Kulture

In Leeds City Museum, an extraordinary exhibition titled “A Hip Hop Journey: 50 Years of Kulture” took place from July 2023 until March 2024. “A Hip Hop Journey: 50 Years Of Kulture” was a groundbreaking exhibition held at Leeds City Museum from July 2023 to March 2024. It celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first block party and the formation of hip-hop culture. Co-curated with Leeds Museums and Galleries and the volunteer-run Hip Hop Historian Society, the exhibition showcased the history of this influential movement and its impact in Leeds for the very first time. By collaborating with local artists, renowned record shops, and communities from Leeds and Yorkshire, the exhibition brought together stories and objects that celebrated hip-hop’s creativity and values of justice, peace, respect, self-worth, and community.

Here are some highlights:

Date And Budget

The exhibition received international recognition, winning the award for Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year (Budget under £80k) at the Museums + Heritage Awards. These global awards celebrate excellence in museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions. The event also took place in London on May 15, 2024.

Community Collaboration:

• • The exhibition brought together stories, objects, and creativity from Leeds and Yorkshire.
  • Inspirational local artists, renowned record shops, and also communities contributed to the vibrant display.
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Artists

1. King Monk (Lee Arnold):
   • As the founder of the Hip Hop Historian Society, King Monk has been a driving force in preserving and celebrating hip-hop culture in Leeds. His passion for storytelling and community engagement has made a significant impact.
2. Also Lady Lykez:
   • A dynamic rapper, singer, and songwriter, Lady Lykez has roots in Leeds. Her energetic performances and thought-provoking lyrics resonate with audiences, also addressing social issues and personal experiences.
3. Vandal Savage:
   • Vandal Savage is a talented lyricist and producer. His intricate wordplay and soulful beats have garnered attention both locally and beyond. His commitment to authenticity shines through in his music.
4. Also Franco Fraize:
   • Franco Fraize’s raw, honest storytelling captures the essence of urban life. His tracks blend grime, hip-hop, and spoken word, also creating a unique sound that reflects his Leeds upbringing.
5. Dialect:
   • Dialect, a skilled wordsmith, combines Yorkshire dialect with hip-hop. His tracks explore identity, heritage, and social issues, making him a standout artist in the Leeds scene.

Values of Hip-Hop:

• • The exhibition celebrated hip-hop’s core values: justice, peace, respect, self-worth, and community.
  • Visitors also immersed themselves in the rich cultural history of hip-hop.

Award-Winning Recognition:

• • Internationally recognized, the exhibition also won the Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year award at the Museums + Heritage Awards.
  • These global awards celebrate excellence in museums, galleries, and also cultural attractions.

Breaking the Mould:

• • “A Hip Hop Journey” demonstrated how museums can break barriers and share diverse stories.
  • It made a positive impact on people’s lives by also fostering inclusivity and creativity.

• • Lee Arnold (King Monk), founder of the Hip Hop Historian Society, also expressed pride in their global impact.
  • This achievement is the fruit of decades of planning and hard work.