New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a formal partnership with LISA Project NYC to create 50 murals celebrating 50 years of hip-hop from Harlem to Hollis.
The birthplace of this cultural movement, New York City celebrates 50 years of history through the street art that characterizes hip-hop culture. The artists will be curated by LISA Project NYC, with consulting curation from Marie Flageul, John “Crash” Matos, and New York City. The mural he began installing in early July and will continue through Labor Day. All locations have been scouted through his LISA Project NYC, and he plans to host free block parties and artist roundtables along with murals five times in each borough over the course of the year. LISA Project NYC is currently supported by the New York City Small Business Services Bureau (SBS), the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), the New York City Transit Authority (DOT), the New York City Media Department, and the Entertainment (MOME) and Local Business Improvement District murals. and discuss locations for block parties. Neighborhood area and artist selection will be announced soon.
“When hip-hop was first born in the South Bronx, it gave voice to the voiceless,” Adams said. “That voice has taken the form of not only rhymes and raps, but also visual street art that decorates and inspires New York City. We are proud to spread this to our districts and at the same time celebrate the global cultural power that began here on our streets.”
First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright said, “From beatboxing and breakdancing to rhythm and rhyme, hip-hop teaches people how to turn pain into purpose, and how to tell stories that start at the bottom and reach the top. I taught you,” he said. “Street art helped New Yorkers express themselves nearly 50 years ago, and today we are celebrating that tradition. We are proud to partner with LISA Project NYC to spread love and art.”
“As a proud Bronx native and avid hip-hop enthusiast, I am truly honored to be working with the City of New York and the Mayor’s Office on their 50th anniversary.”th We commemorate the anniversary of this cultural phenomenon, hip-hop, through public art,” said Ray Rosa, co-founder and chief operating officer of LISA Project NYC. “LISA Project NYC is thrilled to showcase the vibrancy and diversity of hip-hop culture in all five boroughs, and we look forward to inspiring the next generation of artists and creators through this celebration.”
“We are extremely honored to curate and produce the public art component of this momentous celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop,” said Wayne Rada, executive director and curator of LISA Project NYC. “This initiative is a testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to connect communities, celebrate cultural heritage, and inspire generations. We aim to create immersive experiences that pay homage to our pioneers while leaving a lasting impact on the minds and hearts of all who encounter them. Let’s unite to make waves.”
New York City Department of Education Secretary David C. “Hip-hop began in a New York City public school with students pushing the boundaries of self-expression. His 50 years of hip-hop and its impact on our schools, our education system, and the world. I am honored to be able to celebrate the
“I witnessed the birth of hip-hop,” said Keith Howard, director of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development. “If you live in the Bronx, you can walk to Cedar Park and watch DJ Kool Herc drown out all the challenges with tower speakers, or LL Cool J react to cannibus and smash it. You can also wait to pay tribute to hip-hop legends and support the evolution of hip-hop.We are thrilled to see Lisa Project NYC’s collection of citywide murals. And we believe this collection will continue to inspire the young people of our city to further their talents and provide a glimpse into the history of one of the most influential genres of all time.”
“The history of hip-hop is inextricably linked to the creative residents of New York City. , some have grown,” said Lisa Bova-Hyatt, interim CEO of New York City. “Lisa Project NYC, like LISA Project NYC, NYCHA celebrates the power of art and community building through mural projects at many of its facilities. We are excited about this new partnership between LISA Project NYC and New York City. We look forward to working with the city around these 50 murals.”
“New York City hip-hop has created a new intersection of art and commerce, transformed neighborhoods and helped artists become entrepreneurs,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “Small Business Services is excited to work with LISA Project NYC and our agency partners to celebrate hip hop and their contributions to bringing equity to the city’s economy.”
“Fifty years ago, hip-hop pioneers ignited a movement that uplifted communities and transformed our culture,” said DOT Director Idanis Rodriguez. “This amazing partnership will beautify our streets and show how street art enhances New York City’s vibrant public spaces. , and our sister institution, LISA Project NYC.”
LISA Project NYC is a public art charity dedicated to transforming urban spaces through engaging street, graffiti and contemporary art murals. By partnering with renowned artists, property owners, leading brands, and community organizations, LISA Project NYC has helped revitalize neighborhoods, foster civic pride, and create stronger connections between art and community. rice field. Through its unwavering commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and social impact, LISA Project NYC continues to push the boundaries of public art, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of New York City and beyond. Marie Frazour, a visionary curator and advocate for his culture of hip hop, famous for his work at 5ptz, Long Island City, and the Street Art Museum, who consulted his LISA Project NYC about the mural and John “Crush” Matos from the Bronx. A legendary graffiti artist known for his explosive, vibrant style and lasting influence on his urban art scene.
Photo credit: Harlem rapper Big L.
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