Four of Hip-Hop’s most important figures have launched a joint effort to erect an arts campus in the famed Bronx borough of New York, where the culture and genre was born. Afrika Bambaataa, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz and Grand Wizzard Theodore are working in tandem on a fundraising campaign to create the Windows Of Hip Hop facility.
The New York Daily News reported on the Windows Of Hip Hop plans, catching up with some of the leaders after earlier statements last year by some of the group members regarding aims to open a Hip-Hop museum. Grand Wizzard Theodore, a DJ largely credited for inventing the art-form of scratching, offered his take on what the arts campus aims will be.
“We want people to realize what the true essence of hip hop is peace, unity, love and having fun,” said Grand Wizzard Theodore. “That’s why Windows of Hip Hop is so important.”
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The plans are quite ambitious, as the group wants the campus to serve multiple functions as a museum, civic center and educational facility. Via the group’s nonprofit, a crowdfunding effort has been underway since last year. There is also collaboration with other Hip-Hop artists and businesspersons to create a promotional video and a series of talks to come as well.
“Our long-term goal is to build a hip hop campus that will honor and preserve the history of hip hop,” said Melissa Libran, the Windows of Hip Hop’s CEO. “Hip hop was born in the Bronx, so it would be best to have a place in the Bronx to honor the world-changing genre.”
The facility was originally aimed to be part of the $320 million Kingsbridge Armory development effort, but the group wants the World Of Hip Hop facility to stand free on its own.
To learn more about the Windows Of Hip Hop, click here.
Hit the jump to see a photo of the Grand Wizzard Theodore, Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz & Afrika Bambaataa.
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Photos: Windows Of Hip-Hop
