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The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

Online Auction: 23–30 March 2022 • 12:00 PM EDT • New York

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop 23–30 March 2022 • 12:00 PM EDT • New York

S otheby’s is thrilled present our second annual Hip Hop auction. Titled The Art and Influence of Hip Hop, the sale spans art, fashion, photography, hand-written documents, historic studio equipment, important artifacts, NFTs and more, representing key moments from the late 1970s through the present, demonstrating the influence of Hip Hop on art and culture.

The selection is led by an unpublished booklet of haikus written and illustrated by Tupac Shakur when he was just 11 years old, on offer from his godfather, Jamal Joseph (lot 100), a Black Panther activist who was gifted the booklet by Tupac 40 years ago while incarcerated with fellow Panthers at Leavenworth Prison, as well as a selection of love letters from Tupac to a cherished sweetheart, written at the age of 17 and just before rocketing to fame (lots 101-107).

A majority of the auction consigned directly from the artists on offer in the sale, including Chuck D, Jazzy Jay, Ice T + Afrika Islam, Bobbito Garcia, Crazy Legs, Sue Kwon, Roberto Lugo, Shirt King Phade, April Walker, Dan Lish, Danny Hastings, Danny Cortes, and Elena Kazi, as well from the Estate of Marcel Theo Hall (aka “Biz Markie”), and many more. In addition, works from the late Shock G of Digital Underground, MF Doom, and Ricky Powell will be represented.

This years’ Hip Hop auction was once again curated and organized by SVP, Global Head of Department & Senior Specialist Cassandra Hatton, in collaboration with Monica Lynch, former president of Tommy Boy Records (1981-1998), who helped launch the careers of legends Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Digital Underground, Naughty by Nature, House of Pain, among many others. Lynch is widely recognized as a leading voice on the history of the culture, and has appeared in numerous documentaries and podcasts.

"Haiku", autograph manuscript signed ("Tupac ♥ Shakur, Future Freedom Fighter"), ca. spring 1983.

Estimate: 200,000 – 300,000 USD

"Eternally, Tupac Shakur"

Autograph letter signed ("Eternally, Tupac"), to Cosima [Knez], 28 October, 1988.

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Autograph letter signed ("Eternally, Tupac"), to Cosima [Knez], [Marin City, California, ca early November, 1988].

Estimate: 6,000 – 9,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Autograph letter signed ("Thinking of You. Eternally your friend, Tupac"), to Cosima [Knez], [Marin City, California], 13 November, 1988.

Estimate: 6,000 – 9,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Autograph letter signed ("Eternally, Tupac A. Shakur"), to Cosima [Knez], [Marin City, California, ca late winter, early spring 1989].

Estimate: 6,000 – 9,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Autograph letter signed ("Eternally, Tupac A. Shakur"), to Cosima [Knez], [Marin City, California, ca spring 1989].

Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Autograph letter signed ("Thinking of U! Eternally your friend, Tupac A. Shakur"), to Cosima [Knez], [Marin City, California, ca spring 1989].

Estimate: 6,000 – 9,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

View 1 of Lot 18: 5% Solution. Done by FUTURA for his friend, Crazy Legs, signed and inscribed by the artist to verso, 1983.

5% Solution. Done by FUTURA for his friend, Crazy Legs, signed and inscribed by the artist to verso, 1983.

Estimate: 30,000 – 50,000 USD

Created by FUTURA as a personal gift for the famed b-boy Crazy Legs, the current lot is one of the earliest known works by the legendary graffiti artist to come to market. Dating from 1983 and titled 5% Solution as a nod to Legs' then-affiliation with the Black Nationalist Five-Percent Nation, the work features Futura’s signature "Pointman" motif, one of his earliest known uses of the figure.

Highlights

Important single-owner collection of early Hip Hop flyers from legendary DJ Jazzy Jay, late 1970s-early 1980s

Important single-owner collection of early Hip Hop flyers from legendary DJ Jazzy Jay, late 1970s-early 1980s

Estimate: 20,000 – 30,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Chuck D's Open Letter to the Grammys: Physical/Digital, NFT

Chuck D's Open Letter to the Grammys: Physical/Digital, NFT

Estimate: 20,000 – 30,000 USD

Estimate: 20,000 – 30,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Chuck D's original Raiders Starter jacket, signed by him, [1988]

Chuck D's original Raiders Starter jacket, signed by him, [1988]

Estimate: 7,000 – 10,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Biz Markie's golden sable fur coat & hat, custom made for him, [ca. 2002]

Biz Markie's golden sable fur coat & hat, custom made for him, [ca. 2002]

Estimate: 15,000 – 20,000 USD

Estimate: 15,000 – 20,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original "Rapper Urn" ceramic art

Original "Rapper Urn" ceramic art

Estimate: 30,000 – 50,000 USD

Estimate: 30,000 – 50,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Set of six polaroids taken at the legendary South Bronx Hip Hop nightclub Disco Fever, [1981]

Set of six polaroids taken at the legendary South Bronx Hip Hop nightclub Disco Fever, [1981]

Estimate: 2,500 – 3,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Nike Dunk High SB ‘Quasimoto’ | Size 13

Nike Dunk High SB ‘Quasimoto’ | Size 13

Estimate: 15,000 – 25,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Custom-made giant gilded 'Gangsta' frame, complete with integrated multi-color LED lighting and sound system

Custom-made giant gilded 'Gangsta' frame, complete with integrated multi-color LED lighting and sound system

Estimate: 5,000 – 7,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Graffiti Art

5% Solution. Done by FUTURA for his friend, Crazy Legs, signed and inscribed by the artist to verso, 1983.

Estimate: 30,000 – 50,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Fab 5 Freddy and Beside's “Change the Beat” 12 inch vinyl, signed and with original artwork by Keith Haring, [1982]

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

"Zulu", 1991, signed & inscribed by DELTA2 to Afrika Islam

"Zulu", 1991, signed & inscribed by DELTA2 to Afrika Islam

Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

"Rock Steady Cru 7 8 9", original art By DOZE commissioned by Crazy Legs for the anniversary of The Rocky Steady Crew

"Rock Steady Cru 7 8 9", original art By DOZE commissioned by Crazy Legs for the anniversary of The Rocky Steady Crew

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

"Wild Style" title animation cel, ca. 1982

"Wild Style" title animation cel, ca. 1982

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original Black Book study for mural by graffiti artist Freedom for Run-DMC's appearance on Reading Rainbow, 1986

Original Black Book study for mural by graffiti artist Freedom for Run-DMC's appearance on Reading Rainbow, 1986

Estimate: 1,500 – 2,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original “Reagan Slain by Hero Cop” flyer made from Keith Haring's original newspaper collage done, ca. 1980

Original “Reagan Slain by Hero Cop” flyer made from Keith Haring's original newspaper collage done, ca. 1980

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Pop Culture Week Featuring Hip Hop

Afrika Islam / Ice T

Afrika Islam's Oberheim DMX drum machine, used by him to produce Ice T's “6 In The Mornin” and “Colors” [1982], with bassline for both still programmed in. Signed by both of them.

Afrika Islam's Oberheim DMX drum machine, used by him to produce Ice T's “6 In The Mornin” and “Colors” [1982], with bassline for both still programmed in. Signed by both of them.

Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Ice T's "Africa" pendant worn by him on the cover of his album "Power," with album cover promotional poster, signed by him, (1988)

Ice T's "Africa" pendant worn by him on the cover of his album "Power," with album cover promotional poster, signed by him, (1988)

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Afrika Islam's Roland TB-303, used by him to produce Ice T's "Colors" (1987) and "Squeeze the Trigger" (1987), with the basslines for both still programmed into the machine, signed by both of them

Afrika Islam's Roland TB-303, used by him to produce Ice T's "Colors" (1987) and "Squeeze the Trigger" (1987), with the basslines for both still programmed into the machine, signed by both of them

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Afrika Islam's custom Rhyme Syndicate jacket, [1991]

Afrika Islam's custom Rhyme Syndicate jacket, [1991]

Estimate: 1,500 – 2,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Afrika Islam and Ice-T's original handmade and stage-worn Zulu Nation and Rhyme Syndicate pendants, [ca. 1982-1984 and 1988]

Afrika Islam and Ice-T's original handmade and stage-worn Zulu Nation and Rhyme Syndicate pendants, [ca. 1982-1984 and 1988]

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Afrika Islam's custom Zulu Nation leather jacket, [ca. 1987]

Afrika Islam's custom Zulu Nation leather jacket, [ca. 1987]

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Three rare, promo only Zulu Kings and Zulu Queens t-shirts, [ca. 1982]

Three rare, promo only Zulu Kings and Zulu Queens t-shirts, [ca. 1982]

Estimate: 1,500 – 2,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Vintage Audio & Historic Recording Equipment

Afrika Islam's personal copy of "The Baby Beat Box" by Emanon, signed and inscribed to him by Haring, with original drawings by him in 1989

Estimate: 7,000 – 9,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

A "Sacred Crate" of 76 vinyl records, hand-selected by Jazzy Jay from his own personal collection

A "Sacred Crate" of 76 vinyl records, hand-selected by Jazzy Jay from his own personal collection

Estimate: 6,000 – 9,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Fab 5 Freddy and Beside's “Change the Beat” 12 inch vinyl, signed and with original artwork by Keith Haring, [1982]

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original Operation: Doomsday test pressing, [1999]

Original Operation: Doomsday test pressing, [1999]

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original test pressings of two singles from Operation: Doomsday, [1997]

Original test pressings of two singles from Operation: Doomsday, [1997]

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Nas and Wu-Tang live shows and radio freestyle recordings, [1992-1994]

Nas and Wu-Tang live shows and radio freestyle recordings, [1992-1994]

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Three MF DOOM demo CD-Rs, hand-labeled by MF DOOM

Three MF DOOM demo CD-Rs, hand-labeled by MF DOOM

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Roland TR-808 drum machine played on historic first Def Jam single, Jazzy Jay and T La Rock’s “It’s Yours” (1984), with “AFRIKA BAMBAATAA” carved on left side of machine by Afrika Bambaataa

Roland TR-808 drum machine played on historic first Def Jam single, Jazzy Jay and T La Rock’s “It’s Yours” (1984), with “AFRIKA BAMBAATAA” carved on left side of machine by Afrika Bambaataa

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Jazzy Jay’s Roland TR-727 Software Rhythm Composer, programmed by Jazzy Jay on 12” Version of LL Cool J's “Rock the Bells” (1985, produced by Rick Rubin) and lent by Jazzy Jay to Rick Rubin for production on the Beastie Boys’ “Hold it, Now Hit It” (1986) from their debut album Licensed to Ill

Jazzy Jay’s Roland TR-727 Software Rhythm Composer, programmed by Jazzy Jay on 12” Version of LL Cool J's “Rock the Bells” (1985, produced by Rick Rubin) and lent by Jazzy Jay to Rick Rubin for production on the Beastie Boys’ “Hold it, Now Hit It” (1986) from their debut album Licensed to Ill

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Afrika Islam's Oberheim DMX drum machine, used by him to produce Ice T's “6 In The Mornin” and “Colors” [1982], with bassline for both still programmed in. Signed by both of them.

Afrika Islam's Oberheim DMX drum machine, used by him to produce Ice T's “6 In The Mornin” and “Colors” [1982], with bassline for both still programmed in. Signed by both of them.

Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Afrika Islam's Roland TB-303, used by him to produce Ice T's "Colors" (1987) and "Squeeze the Trigger" (1987), with the basslines for both still programmed into the machine, signed by both of them

Afrika Islam's Roland TB-303, used by him to produce Ice T's "Colors" (1987) and "Squeeze the Trigger" (1987), with the basslines for both still programmed into the machine, signed by both of them

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

The Sony Sports Walkman used in the documentary Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives

The Sony Sports Walkman used in the documentary Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Jazzy Jay

Important single-owner collection of early Hip Hop flyers from legendary DJ Jazzy Jay, late 1970s-early 1980s

Important single-owner collection of early Hip Hop flyers from legendary DJ Jazzy Jay, late 1970s-early 1980s

Estimate: 20,000 – 30,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Jazzy Jay's stage-worn Soulsonic costume, [1982]

Jazzy Jay's stage-worn Soulsonic costume, [1982]

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

A "Sacred Crate" of 76 vinyl records, hand-selected by Jazzy Jay from his own personal collection

A "Sacred Crate" of 76 vinyl records, hand-selected by Jazzy Jay from his own personal collection

Estimate: 6,000 – 9,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Roland TR-808 drum machine played on historic first Def Jam single, Jazzy Jay and T La Rock’s “It’s Yours” (1984), with “AFRIKA BAMBAATAA” carved on left side of machine by Afrika Bambaataa

Roland TR-808 drum machine played on historic first Def Jam single, Jazzy Jay and T La Rock’s “It’s Yours” (1984), with “AFRIKA BAMBAATAA” carved on left side of machine by Afrika Bambaataa

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Early '80s Zulu Nation jacket custom-made for Jazzy Jay

Early '80s Zulu Nation jacket custom-made for Jazzy Jay

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Jazzy Jay’s Roland TR-727 Software Rhythm Composer, programmed by Jazzy Jay on 12” Version of LL Cool J's “Rock the Bells” (1985, produced by Rick Rubin) and lent by Jazzy Jay to Rick Rubin for production on the Beastie Boys’ “Hold it, Now Hit It” (1986) from their debut album Licensed to Ill

Jazzy Jay’s Roland TR-727 Software Rhythm Composer, programmed by Jazzy Jay on 12” Version of LL Cool J's “Rock the Bells” (1985, produced by Rick Rubin) and lent by Jazzy Jay to Rick Rubin for production on the Beastie Boys’ “Hold it, Now Hit It” (1986) from their debut album Licensed to Ill

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Jazzy Jay's personalized Def Jam varsity bomber jacket, [ca. 1985]

Jazzy Jay's personalized Def Jam varsity bomber jacket, [ca. 1985]

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Available for Private Sale

The Archive of Skateland U.S.A., Compton, CA
Price Upon Request

Original Art

Original "Rapper Urn" ceramic art

Original "Rapper Urn" ceramic art

Estimate: 30,000 – 50,000 USD

Estimate: 30,000 – 50,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

"Fifty Plus" original watercolor illustration by Dan Lish, 2021

"Fifty Plus" original watercolor illustration by Dan Lish, 2021

Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 USD

Estimate: 10,000 – 15,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original concept art for the Beastie Boys "Licensed to Ill" album cover, [1986]

Original concept art for the Beastie Boys "Licensed to Ill" album cover, [1986]

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Tom Morello, NFT

Tom Morello, NFT

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

24kt gilded "Boombox (Conion Gold)," 2018

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original concept art by Hugo Bravo for the cover of Jeru the Damaja's "The Sun Rises in the East," 1994, with chromogenic print of final album cover, signed by Danny Hastings

Original concept art by Hugo Bravo for the cover of Jeru the Damaja's "The Sun Rises in the East," 1994, with chromogenic print of final album cover, signed by Danny Hastings

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original concept art for Digital Underground's "Hip Hop Doll" album, [1989]

Original concept art for Digital Underground's "Hip Hop Doll" album, [1989]

Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Original miniature of a Wu-Tang branded ice cream truck, signed & framed

Original miniature of a Wu-Tang branded ice cream truck, signed & framed

Estimate: 1,500 – 2,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

"The Leader BMBOX S.E", 2021

"The Leader BMBOX S.E", 2021

Estimate: 1,000 – 1,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Stage-Worn and Vintage Fashion

Biz Markie's golden sable fur coat & hat, custom made for him, [ca. 2002]

Biz Markie's golden sable fur coat & hat, custom made for him, [ca. 2002]

Estimate: 15,000 – 20,000 USD

Estimate: 15,000 – 20,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Chuck D's original Raiders Starter jacket, signed by him, [1988]

Chuck D's original Raiders Starter jacket, signed by him, [1988]

Estimate: 7,000 – 10,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Leather Avirex Bad Boy varsity jacket

Leather Avirex Bad Boy varsity jacket

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Biz Markie's shearling jacket & hat, custom made for him, [ca. 2007]

Biz Markie's shearling jacket & hat, custom made for him, [ca. 2007]

Estimate: 5,000 – 8,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Shirt King Phade throwback warmup jacket and sweatpants

Shirt King Phade throwback warmup jacket and sweatpants

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Malcolm X world tour cast and crew jacket, [1990]

Malcolm X world tour cast and crew jacket, [1990]

Estimate: 4,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Afrika Islam's custom Zulu Nation leather jacket, [ca. 1987]

Afrika Islam's custom Zulu Nation leather jacket, [ca. 1987]

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Jazzy Jay's personalized Def Jam varsity bomber jacket, [ca. 1985]

Jazzy Jay's personalized Def Jam varsity bomber jacket, [ca. 1985]

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Posters

Crazy Legs' ultra-rare customized French New York City Rap Tour poster, [1982]

Crazy Legs' ultra-rare customized French New York City Rap Tour poster, [1982]

Estimate: 4,000 – 6,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Hard Knock Life Tour at the Arco Arena concert poster, 1999

Hard Knock Life Tour at the Arco Arena concert poster, 1999

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

3 Back From Hell at the Miami Arena concert poster, 1996

3 Back From Hell at the Miami Arena concert poster, 1996

Estimate: 2,500 – 3,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Run-DMC Raising Hell Tour at the Municipal Auditorium concert poster, 1986

Run-DMC Raising Hell Tour at the Municipal Auditorium concert poster, 1986

Estimate: 3,000 – 5,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Public Enemy European promotional poster, [1990]

Public Enemy European promotional poster, [1990]

Estimate: 2,500 – 3,500 USD

Estimate: 2,500 – 3,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

DJ Jazzy Joyce at Outa Control concert poster, 1997

DJ Jazzy Joyce at Outa Control concert poster, 1997

Estimate: 2,500 – 3,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Ol' Dirty Bastard at The Roseland concert poster, 1998

Ol' Dirty Bastard at The Roseland concert poster, 1998

Estimate: 2,000 – 3,000 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

Lil' Kim at The Strand concert poster, 1997

Lil' Kim at The Strand concert poster, 1997

Estimate: 2,500 – 3,500 USD

The Art and Influence of Hip Hop

23–30 March 2022 | 12:00 PM EDT | New York

1970

1970

The Last Poets, a spoken-word collective from East Harlem New York, release their debut album; mixing poetry with politics, the album lays the foundation for the emerging hip hop movement.

(left) The Last Poets (L-R Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, Nilaja Obabi and Umar Bin Hassan) pose for a portrait circa 1970 in New York City, New York. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

1971

Aretha Franklin records “Rock Steady"; the track becomes a popular b-boy song and inspires the Rock Steady Crew, a hip hop and breaking group, to form in 1977. Also in 1971, Gil Scott Heron records "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," further cementing hip hop as a powerful form of political discourse.

(left) New York City artist Chico's commemorative mural of Gil Scott Heron

1973

DJ Kool Herc, known as the father of hip hop, holds his first DJ block party in the south Bronx.

(left) DJ Kool Herc and the Herculoids host a Bronx party, circa 1970s

1974

DJ Kool Herc inspires other DJs around the Bronx, including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash and Grandmaster Caz. Lovebug Starski, a MC in the Bronx, refers to the movement as "hip hop."

(left) Grand Mixer D.ST on turntables, Donald D on the mic, DJ Kool Herc in hat and shades, Bronx River Center, November 12, 1983

1975

DJ Grand Wizard Theodore accidentally invents the record 'scratch,' and Grandmaster Flash begins 'mixing,' a deejaying method that involves combining bits of two songs.

(left) Friday, May 11, 1979 - Flyer by Buddy Esquire - Webster P.A.L - Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 4 MCs vs. The Funky 4 (known as the "Battle for Rahiem"), Brothers Disco featuring DJs Breakout and Baron

1976

At the Bronx River Center, DJ Afrika Bambaataa battles against Disco King Mario; this DJ battle is one of the first of its kind, but others quickly follow – and the DJ battle becomes a bedrock of hip hop culture.

(left) March 28, 1980 – Flyer by Eddie Ed - Bronx River Center - Bam, GM Flash, Breakout and Baron

1977

Hip hop begins to spread across New York, taking root in all five boroughs. B-boys from the Bronx, JoJo, Jimmy D, Easy Mike and P-Body, form The Rock Steady Crew.

(left) Members of the Rock Steady Crew break-dance in the yard of Booker T. Washington Junior High School (JHS 54), New York, New York, May 8, 1983. (Photo by Linda Vartoogian/Getty Images)

1978

The music industry uses the term 'rap music' for the first time, signaling a shift from deejaying to emceeing.

(left) Crowd at Bronx River Center, 1983

1979

Rap begins to take center stage. Rap group The Furious 5 and the Sugarhill Gang form; the latter's "Rapper's Delight" becomes the first commercial rap recording. Kurtis Blow becomes the first rapper to sign with a major label, Mercury Records. Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack, a weekend radio show on New Jersey's WHBI, introduces many Americans to hip hop for the first time.

(left) Set of five candid Sugarhill Records photos, [ca. 1980-1982]

1980

Kurtis Blow releases "The Breaks" on Mercury Records, which sells more than a million copies. Afrika Bambaata and his group, Zulu Nation, release their first 12", called Zulu Nation Throwdown Pt. 1. Inspired by meeting Fab 5 Freddy and other rappers, the band Blondie releases "Rapture," which features Debbie Harry rapping.

(left) Super Jam Music Festival at The Felt Forum concert poster, 1980

1981

The news show 20/20 airs a TV special on the "rap phenomenon." The Beastie Boys form. The Rock Steady Crew battles the Dynamic Rockers at Lincoln Center. Grandmaster Flash's The Adventures of Grand Master Flash on the Wheels of Steel record captures the sound of a live DJ scratching. Gigolo Rap, the first West Coast rap label, launches.

(left) Set of six color Polaroid photographs taken at the South Bronx Hip Hop nightclub, Disco Fever, ca. 1981

1982

Artists Fab 5 Freddy and Charlie Ahearn co-produce Wild Style, a film exploring hip hop and graffiti culture. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five release "The Message", a rap exploring social and political issues present in low-income communities.

(left) "Wild Style" title animation cel, ca. 1982

1983

West Coast rap gets a boon when Ice-T releases his rap singles, “Body Rock" and "Killers." The Queens, New York group Run-D.M.C. release their first single.

(left) Oberheim DMX Drum Machine signed by Ice T and Afrika Islam, [1982]. Accompanied by: Original instruction manual and Anvil travel case

1984

A hip hop tour titled the Fresh Fest concert, featuring artists including Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow and Whodini, nets $3.5 million. In Los Angeles, the first all-rap radio station, KDAY, brings hip hop to the mainstream. Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin launch Def Jam Records.

(left) Jazzy Jay's Personalized Def Jam Records bomber jacket, ca. 1985.

1985

Following the success of the first-ever Hip Hop tour in Europe, breaking continues to rise in popularity as the unofficial Hip Hop dance to accompany the exploding musical genre.

(left) Japanese Adidas track jacket owned and worn by Crazy Legs, 1983.

1986

The Beastie Boys release their first album, License to Ill, on Def Jam Records. Run-D.M.C.'s rendition of Aerosmith's Walk This Way is a hit; they become the first rap group to be nominated for a Grammy.

(left) Original concept art for the Beastie Boys "Licensed to Ill" album cover, [1986]

1987

Public Enemy releases their first album, Yo! Bum Rush the Show. The album offers a candid take on life and injustice in the Black community, continuing hip hop's legacy of promoting civil rights and political activism.

(left) Afrika Islam's custom leather Zulu Nation jacket. Los Angeles: Gonzo Fashions, ca. 1987.

1988

The LA group N.W.A. releases Straight Outta Compton; the album, which tells the story of life on the streets of South Central LA, popularizes the West Coast rap movement. Afrika Bambaataa forms the Native Tongues Posse; artists include Queen Latifah and the Jungle Brothers.

(left) Ice T's own medallion and promotional poster from the album Power, 1988.

1989

Public Enemy releases their second album, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. It would outperform their first release, Yo! Bum Rush the Show, and go on to become The Village Voice’s first-ever hip hop album of the year.

(left) Chuck D's Raiders Starter jacket, signed, and worn on-stage while on tour, 1988-1989.

1990

1990

2Pac (Tupac Shakur) joins Digital Underground as a dancer and roadie; the same year, the Digital Underground's “The Humpty Dance" goes platinum. Florida bans As Nasty as They Wanna Be, an album by 2 Live Crew, citing its controversial lyrics.

(left) Autograph letter signed ("Thinking of U! Eternally your friend, Tupac A. Shakur"), to Cosima [Knez], [Marin City, California, ca spring 1989]

1991

N.W.A.'s sophomore album reaches #1 on the pop music charts; nearly a million copies sell in the first week. Source magazine features The Notorious B.I.G. (Christopher George Latore Wallace) in its “Unsigned Hype” column. Boyz N the Hood, a film starring Ice Cube and portraying life in South Central LA, comes to theaters nationwide. 2Pac releases his debut studio album, 2Pacalypse Now.

(left) A collection of twenty eight issues of Word Up! magazine, 1987-1997

1992

The Chronic, a debut studio album from Dr. Dre, goes multi-platinum. Together with Suge Knight, Dr. Dre forms Death Row Records and signs an up-and-coming rapper: Snoop Doggy Dogg. On Staten Island, the rap collective Wu-Tang Clan forms.

(left) Nas and Wu-Tang live shows and radio freestyle recordings, [1992-1994]

1993

The Wu-Tang Clan releases their debut album, Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers; the album adds new life to the East Coast rap scene. Snoop Dogg releases his debut album, DoggyStyle – it becomes the first debut album to enter the Billboard charts at number one. 2Pac releases his second studio album, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... A Tribe Called Quest drop their third album, Midnight Marauders. Very Necessary, an album from Salt-N-Pepa, becomes the best-selling album of all time by a female artist.

(left) Sony Walkman (ca. 1993)

1994

The Notorious B.I.G. releases his debut album, Ready to Die. The album remains a critical and commercial success, and reached a 6x platinum in 2018. The rapper Nas releases lllmatic, his debut studio album; today, the album is considered a crucial touchstone in the history of East Coast hip hop.

(left) Oversized chromogenic print of The Notorious B.I.G., April 1994

1995

Queen Latifah wins a Grammy award for her single, “U.N.I.T.Y.” In March, 2Pac releases his third studio album, the critically acclaimed Me Against the World. After Suge Knight pays 2Pac's bail, he signs with Death Row Records. Eazy-E of N.W.A. dies of complications from AIDS.

(left) A full run of Wax Poetics magazine, with all printed issues from Issue 1 (Winter 2002) through Issue 68 (Winter 2020)

1996

The Fugees release The Score, an album fusing hip hop with R&B and reggae influences; the album relieves two Grammy awards. In New York, Jay-Z drops his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, to much acclaim.

(left) 3 Back From Hell at the Miami Arena concert poster, 1996

1997

Sixteen days after rapper The Notorious B.I.G dies, his second studio album, Life After Death, drops. The album was nominated for two Grammy awards. Also in 1997, Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott releases her debut album, Supa Dupa Fly, and Jay-Z releases his second studio album, In My Lifetime, Vol. 1.

(left) Biggie Smalls in profile, 1997, silver gelatin print signed by Sue Kwon

1998

Jay-Z releases his third studio album, Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life; it's lauded as one of the most influential hip hop albums of all time, and pushes the artist's notoriety to new heights. Lauryn Hill releases her solo debut, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, earning her 11 Grammy nominations and 5 wins.

(left) Hard Knock Life Tour at the Arco Arena concert poster, 1999

1999

Eminem releases The Slim Shady LP on Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label. Dr. Dre releases his second studio album, 2001, in November. Songs created with The Neptunes – a production collaboration composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo – dominate the airwaves.

(left) Original Operation: Doomsday test pressing, [1999]

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