Washington, DC – The Beastie Boys' "Licensed to Ill," Run DMC's "King of Rock," and Tribe Called Quest's "Low End Theory;" those are just a few of the ground breaking artists and albums that conjure up nostalgic sounds, fashion, imagery, and dance moves that helped shape Hip Hop culture – specifically, Rap music.
And beginning on Wednesday September 30th, Art vs Commerce, Smirnoff Vodka and The Source Magazine will partner to form The Classics – an album cover art series that will feature over 25 of those classic Rap music album covers, courtesy of DJ 2-Tone Jones. In addition to the exhibition, DJ 2-Tone Jones and Nick Da 1da will spin a variety of those timeless records, while guests are treated to themed complimentary cocktails, courtesy of Smirnoff (7pm-9pm).
The goal of The Classics, whose first exhibition entitled RAP, will take place on Wednesday September 30th at Lounge of 3 – 1013 U Street NW from 5pm-9pm, is to bring visibility to and celebrate the role that iconic album cover artwork has played as a cross-cultural communicator, between artists and fans, specifically within the genres of Rap, Soul/Funk, and Reggae music.
Each gallery styled event (produced by Art vs Commerce) will have, on exhibit, an assortment of album covers that are specific to a genre of music, with the criteria for album cover selection being based on creativity, rarity, and song and artist/group significance. To help bring these visuals to life, the events will also be accompanied by a DJ who will play music – specific to the event's genre.
In addition to the exhibitions, a series of cultural projects, which will be used both on and offsite, will also be developed in support of each event. These projects include a:
• Mixtape: a journey via soundscape
• Interview: first hand account from a primary source. RAP: Cey Adams (www.ceyadams.com)
• Mixed media package: featuring videos, interviews, and publicity shots of the artists/groups featured
• Themed drink menu
For more information visit www.gmoney77.wordpress.com or call 202.460.3594.
Press Inquiries:
art_vs_commerce@yahoo.com
