Mic Sounds Nice: Hip-Hop Feminism in History

Summary

In this engaging interview, curator A'deer A. Johnson discusses her pop-up exhibit, 'My Mic Sounds Nice: Hip Hop, Feminism, and History,' at the Museum of Pop Culture. She shares her background as a Southern girl from Atlanta and her journey to becoming a digital archivist. The exhibit highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black women in hip hop, utilizing primary sources and original interviews to bring their stories to light. Johnson emphasizes the importance of these narratives in understanding the history of hip hop, particularly in celebration of its 50th anniversary, inviting the community to explore this rich cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The curator, A'deer A. Johnson, is a PhD student from Atlanta studying women in hip hop.
• 🎤 Johnson created a pop-up exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture focused on hidden stories of Black women in hip hop.
• 📚 The exhibit was inspired by her two-year work on an online archive related to hip hop history.
• 🌍 Johnson emphasizes the significance of the Pacific Northwest as an unexpected hub for hip hop culture.
• 📝 The pop-up exhibit showcases primary sources, including original interviews with pioneering female hip hop artists.
• 🎶 The exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop and highlights the contributions of women to the genre.
• 📖 Johnson highlights the importance of sharing lesser-known stories to provide a fuller understanding of hip hop history.
• 💿 The exhibit features original records from influential groups like The Sequence, the first Southern hip hop group signed to Sugar Hill Records.
• ✨ One of Johnson's favorite pieces is inspired by Salt-N-Pepa's song 'My Mic Sounds Nice,' which addresses Black women's sexual health and empowerment.
• 🎉 The Museum of Pop Culture invites the community to engage with the exhibit, making it both educational and entertaining.

Q & A

Who is the guest featured in the interview?

The guest is A. Deer A. Johnson, the curator of the exhibit 'My Mic Sounds Nice: Hip Hop, Feminism in History.'

What is A. Deer A. Johnson's connection to the Museum of Pop Culture?

A. Deer A. Johnson was hired as a digital archivist and later became a guest curator for a pop-up exhibit.

What is the main theme of the exhibit?

The exhibit focuses on the hidden stories of Black women in hip hop and celebrates their contributions to the genre.

What inspired A. Deer A. Johnson to create this exhibit?

The inspiration came from her research as a PhD student studying women in hip hop, particularly through the perspective of the South.

How does A. Deer A. Johnson describe the significance of the Pacific Northwest in hip hop history?

She finds the Pacific Northwest an interesting spot to discuss hip hop, as it is often overshadowed by East Coast and West Coast influences.

What primary sources are featured in the exhibit?

The exhibit includes original interviews with notable figures in hip hop, such as EMC Sha Rock and Nikki D, and features original records from early hip hop.

What is one of A. Deer A. Johnson's favorite pieces in the exhibit?

One of her favorite pieces is a section based on the song 'My Mic Sounds Nice' by Salt-N-Pepa, which highlights contemporary narratives around Black women's empowerment.

How can people visit the exhibit?

People can visit the exhibit at the Museum of Pop Culture, which is community-oriented and encourages public engagement.

What milestone in hip hop history does the exhibit celebrate?

The exhibit celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

What is the overall goal of the exhibit as stated by A. Deer A. Johnson?

The goal is to educate the public about the contributions of women in hip hop and to share stories that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.