BUA and DMC at LACMA
Fordham Rd. Bomber jacket. Beige Sheepskin with matching hat. Timbs. Planet Rock. Video Music Box. Breakers and linoleum on the street ground. Haring. Red Alert. Lees and laces. B-boys. All of the above and more is where “Mikey’s mom” comes from. Born and raised in the Bronx, during the beginning, height and end of real hip-hop, I saw the D train go from mobile graffiti to its current corporate decor. I played handball on a Haring before collectors started placing dibs. Even in my catholic school uniform, resting in my cozy bed I knew what was going on. I listened to the words of Grand Master Flash and Chuck D made my high school years real.
I remember this time in my life very well. This was “back in the day” when rap lyrics were more than going to da club. It was a movement. In this house, we stick to the old school. And because I can’t help place most things I love into its proper historical context, my son knows what hip-hop is – its place in society politically, economically and historically.
Fortunately, museums have recognized its place in our world as well, as we saw at MoCA HERE and HERE. However, that was not my first museum meets hip-hop experience. I worked as an educator at the Bronx Museum of Arts when they exhibited One Planet under a Groove. That was amazing to me. To see images I grew up with hanging on a museum wall, framed beautifully and discussed within the context of art history was surreal.
Recently, LACMA had a pretty spectacular program featuring BUA and DMC. Not only did we throw our hands in the air and wave them like we just don’t care, we listened to stories about the greats – Bambaataa, Futura 2000, Kurtis Blow, Grand Master Caz (Rapper’s Delight was stolen from him, by the way), Rakim and of course Run DMC. My son shook the hands of the artist who sold the most posters (ever) and a legendary rapper. Successful evening, indeed. Thank you museums. Thank you Hip-Hop.
Grand Master Caz , Rakim and Run DMC!!! Oh how cool!!! Hubby and I made sure to introduce our children to this time of music, love that your passing this along to your son!!
WOW! That sounds like a fun day! I can only imagine how happy your son was. I love that you both had a great day together — teaching, learning, having fun! Great pics!
Totally, you must be the Favorite Mom Evah!
Great photos!
Great event and you took me back! Loved your intro. So descriptive of how I also grew up. NYC!
Hip hop culture often receives negative tags. I appreciate the fact that you shared this with your son and the real value of hip hop culture.
Cool! I like this kind of exposure to the arts in every aspect.
WOW – what a cool event. It really is great to see hip hop artists getting the recognition and respect they deserve. And I love that you introduced your son to hip hop culture.
Would have loved to attend – you really took me back!
ur a rock arse madre!!! yay for introducing him to this kind of art and history! i looove me some Tribe! Was rocking them all day yesterday!
We love Tribe!
I bet your son will be someone very important in the future. It is amazing to see him growing in his visits at the museums. As an artist son’s, he has lot of advantage, having such a great education and being exposed to art in all its expressions. I LOVEE your pictures :) have a merry christmas!
Beyond cool that you can share this with your son. I agree coolest Mother & Son :)
Mikey is the coolest kid i know, and your the coolest mom!