On Tuesday (March 6), The Kennedy Center revealed the founding members the new Hip Hop Culture Council. The group is made up legends from all different aspects hip-hop including LL Cool J, Black Thought and MC Lyte.
“The Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Culture Council reflects the creative, social, and intellectual wealth the Hip Hop community,” said Q-Tip, Artistic Director Hip Hop Culture. “The members are the embodiment what we stand for and all that we aspire to achieve with the Hip Hop Culture program.”
According to The Kennedy Center, the members the council will serve as ambassadors and advisors who will help create, develop and produce work at the Center. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with such an extraordinary group icons, innovators, and contributors to the Culture,” said Simone Eccleston, Director Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music.
Along with LL Cool J, Black Thought and MC Lyte, other members the council include: Questlove, Bobbito Garcia, Common, Fab 5 Freddy, Grandmaster Caz, Grant Hill, J. Period, Jason King, Kierna Mayo, Large Pressor, Pharoahe Monch, Mimi Valdes, Robert Glasper, Xavier "X" Jernigan and 9th Wonder.
The first programs and projects from the Hip Hop Culture Council will include a celebration the first hip-hop film, Wild Style, as well as a performance from Common, Glasper and Karriem Riggins as their new group, August Greene.
On June 22, Garcia will present the world premiere Rock Rubber 45s, which explores Garcia's youth and the connectivity basketball, sneaker culture and music lifestyle. “We will ensure that there is no compromise to the art form and that it is presented in all its wonder and beauty for all to enjoy," said Garcia.
Last year, LL Cool J was a recipient the Kennedy Center Honor, becoming the first rapper ever to receive it.
Check out photos the founding members below.