By SNIGDHA DASOONDI
On the evening of September 12, Gallery ABBA opened its doors to a new era of music history with “DNA Day One: 50 Years of Hip-Hop.” From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., the student-run gallery immersed visitors in celebrating hip-hop’s legacy, spotlighting legendary figures Ice-T and DJ Afrika Islam. The exhibition was curated from their personal belongings.
The standout piece was a detailed recreation of Ice-T’s bedroom from his early days of creating music. It was like stepping into a snapshot of a moment—a room filled with caps, sneakers, posters of rap icons, stacks of music, and even an old-school TV. It was the kind of room any teenager passionate about music would relate to, but this one belonged to a future rap pioneer. The display brought the origins of Ice-T’s creativity to life, making the connection between his humble beginnings and his rise to icon status feel real and tangible.
As people moved through the exhibit, conversations emerged about how hip-hop isn’t just about music—it’s shaped culture in ways we often don’t even realize. Whether students talked about their favorite artists or faculty shared memories from hip-hop’s early days, the display sparked discussions that made it clear this genre has left its mark on far more than just the charts.
As interesting as the event was, it was surprising that more people didn’t come to experience it. Hip-hop is undeniably a substantial cultural force in the United States, so it raises the question—why didn’t more people show up? Maybe it’s because hip-hop’s influence is so ingrained in our everyday lives that it’s easy to overlook events like this. Or maybe we’re missing out on chances to connect with the history behind the music we love. It’s something to consider as we look at how we engage with the events happening around us.
Gallery ABBA once again brought together art, culture, and history, examining how far hip-hop has come while staying connected to its roots. It wasn’t just about looking back—it was a reminder that hip-hop’s influence is still alive, thriving, and shaping the world around us.
Featured Image Credit: Snigddha Dasoondi’28
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