Introducing the Free Library's 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Art Card
By Bridget G.
Tue, September 5, 2023
The Free Library of Philadelphia is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a limited-edition art card available at ALL Free Library locations — while supplies last!
This extra-cool card design was commissioned by the library from Philadelphia artist Akinseye Brown, who created the design with Philadelphia’s hip hop history in mind.
Of the design, Brown says,
“I wanted it to be bright, have an impact to it, and be daring because I want people to say, ‘Wow…the Free Library went hip hop. They went to the veracity that’s in the art, the music, dance, and style.’ The imagery is key because the Liberty Bell is ours as well. That is hometown Philly. The overall design is going to be a talking point for people because no one can claim what we do but us. It represents the bravado and self-confidence that hip hop gives young people. It represents Philly."
Welcome to Mini Jawns — an exploration of Philly Hip Hop History with Hip Hop Author Kathy Iandoli. Kathy is a critically acclaimed journalist and author. She has written for Vibe, The Source, XXL, Billboard, and many other publications.
In 1979, Philly radio jock Lady B was one of the first artists to record and release a single titled “To the Beat, Y’All.” Her single was later re-released in 1980 by Sugar Hill Records. The song did more than make a splash; the title alone became a cornerstone of hip hop slang.
DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Before dominating Hollywood, Will Smith was the Philly-bred MC in DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. And in 1989, the duo won the first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance for their comedic single “Parents Just Don’t Understand,” marking the first win for hip hop in Grammy history.
Many regard The Roots as the first hip hop band, as the three-time Grammy Award winners deliver a live music element from the stage to the studio. However, these Philly natives also made history as the first hip hop group to ever become a house band for the most influential TV show in late night, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Rapper-slash-actor Eve has broken records in rap, as the third female rapper in history to peak at Number One on the Billboard 200 with her 1999 debut album Let There Be Eve... Ruff Ryders’ First Lady. But the Philly Ruff Ryder also rocked Hollywood with her own sitcom, Eve, where she starred and served as an Executive Producer on the series.
Philly rapper Meek Mill made the swift move from battle rap to the mainstream, though he’s made more waves in society beyond his music. In 2021, Meek became the first rapper to receive the Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award for his changemaking efforts in criminal justice reform.
Come celebrate hip hop’s 50th year by reading some prolific works by a wide range of hip hop authors at the Free Library. Pick up your commemorative hip hop library card at a Free Library location near you.
Those interested in obtaining a Free Library hip hop card must do so in person at their local branch and need to bring a photo I.D. to do so. Patrons who already have a library card and wish to replace theirs with the special edition hip hop art card should keep in mind that switching out cards means that they will receive a new barcode number. For more information on how to switch your old card to the new hip hop art card, ask a librarian.
Have a question for Free Library staff? Please submit it to our Ask a Librarian page and receive a response within two business days.