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South Central Los Angeles.

The song’s classic music video captured the essence of early 1990s West Coast Hip Hop. Cube cruises through the neighborhood in a blue 1961 Chevy drop-top alongside members of Da Lench Mob, delivering the unmistakable style and attitude of the era.

bass- heavy West Coast beat.

Following his departure from N.W.A, Ice Cube was establishing himself as one of Hip Hop’s most fearless solo artists. Death Certificate became a defining album of the era, tackling racial inequality, politics, street life, and the realities of

In 1991, Ice Cube released “Steady Mobbin’,” one of the standout tracks from his sophomore album, Death Certificate. 🔥🎤

Produced by Ice Cube alongside The Boogie Men, the track showcased his sharp storytelling, dark humor, and commanding delivery over a funky,

The channel launched with the Shady National Convention at New York City’s Roseland Ballroom. The mock political rally also served as promotion for Eminem’s upcoming album Encore.

Over the years, Shade 45 became home to some of Hip Hop radio’s most recognizable voices.

October 28, 2004: Shade 45 officially hit the airwaves! 🎙️🔥

Founded by Eminem through a partnership between Shady Records, Interscope Records, and Sirius Satellite Radio, Shade 45 was created as an uncensored platform dedicated to Hip Hop music, artistry, and culture.

culture that continues to inspire the world. Your legacy will never be forgotten. 🕊️🌹

📸 TRACY 168
Flyer courtesy of curators Paradise Gray and Pete Nice #TheHipHopMuseum

inspiring generations of graffiti writers around the world. His creativity, originality, and contributions to Hip Hop’s formative years will forever remain part of the culture’s history.

Rest in peace, RIFF 170. Thank you for helping lay the artistic foundation of a

helping shape the visual identity of the emerging culture.

His name carried a special meaning. RIFF stood for “Reading Is Fundamentally Fantastic,” while 170 represented the street corner near his childhood home.

RIFF 170’s artistic influence reached far beyond the Bronx,

arrows, curls, connections, and flowing designs helped push the creative boundaries of graffiti. His contributions extended beyond the walls and trains of New York City. He also designed some of the earliest Hip Hop party flyers for pioneers DJ Kool Herc and Coke La Rock,

Inspired by comic books and his uncle’s drawings, he developed a passion for art that would eventually leave a lasting mark on Hip Hop culture.

Introduced to graffiti by CHRIS 170 and BONANZA, RIFF became known for his innovative “mechanical” lettering style. His intricate

The Hip Hop Museum extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, & loved ones of legendary Bronx graffiti pioneer RIFF 170. 🕊️🌹

Born and raised in the South Bronx, RIFF 170 began his artistic journey in 1971 at just 11 years old while living in the Mitchell Houses.

its decade. All the way through 2024's Blue Lips, he's never made the same album twice. 

Bucket hats up. What's your favorite ScHoolboy Q record? #TheHipHopMuseum

Alongside Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, he helped make Black Hippy one of the most celebrated crews of the 2010s. 

His major-label debut Oxymoron hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2014, and Blank Face LP followed with one of the darkest, most cinematic rap albums of

Happy 40th birthday to Groovy Q himself, ScHoolboy Q. 

Born on a U.S. Army base in Germany and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Q came up through TDE's early days to become one of the West Coast's most distinct voices.

25 years later, The Great Depression remains a powerful reminder of the pain, passion, and honesty that defined his artistry.

What’s your favorite DMX album? Let us hear it. 🐾 #TheHipHopMuseum

emotional depth behind his music. That powerful contrast cemented DMX as one of Hip Hop’s most compelling and authentic voices.

DMX would eventually extend his historic streak to five consecutive No. 1 album debuts with Grand Champ in 2003.

You,” featuring Faith Evans, paid an emotional tribute to his late grandmother.

Throughout the album, X explored grief, faith, inner conflict, and survival. His ability to transition effortlessly from ferocious, barking street anthems to deeply vulnerable prayers revealed the

first four albums enter the chart at the top.

Following the massive success of …And Then There Was X (1999), DMX returned with a darker, more introspective project. Songs like “Who We Be” and “We Right Here” delivered his signature intensity, while “I Miss

25 years ago, on October 23, 2001, DMX released his fourth studio album, The Great Depression. 🐾

Arriving just six weeks after 9/11, the album marked another historic chapter in X’s career. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making him the first artist to have his