Isthmus Explores Connection Between Music and Geography

The Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) and Pyramidal Productions are hosting a grand reopening of “The Lead Between the Rhymes: Celebrating Over 50 Years of HipHop Culture in Wisconsin.” The expanded exhibit explores the history of hip-hop in Wisconsin and will be on display February 2 through February 28.

The exhibit is located in the first-floor lobby of the WHS Headquarters building at 816 State St., Madison, WI 53706. It will be accessible during regular headquarters hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grand Opening Ceremony

A special presentation and grand opening ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will welcome artists, supporters, and the public to experience the exhibit.

Guided Tours

Free guided tours, titled “Rewind the Records,” will be offered on Saturdays throughout February, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each tour will last 30 to 45 minutes and will be led by industry professionals and exhibit curators Greg Doby and Menkhu Ara Maat. They will share firsthand accounts and expertise about the local hip-hop scene.

Forum and Documentary Preview

On Saturday, February 28, from 1 to 4 p.m., Ara Maat and Doby will host a Hip Hop Forum & Panel Discussion and a preview of the “Lead Between the Rhymes” documentary trailer. A limited-time pop-up display featuring African-American founded or led publications from the Wisconsin Historical Society’s collections will also be available.

Exhibit Content

The exhibit commemorates over 50 years of hip-hop history through an original mural, artifacts, and collections. It honors the contributions of deejays, emcees, dancers, graffiti artists, producers, and cultural leaders who have shaped hip-hop in Wisconsin. The exhibit also recognizes hip-hop as a vital cultural and educational movement, honoring past University of Wisconsin artists, students, professors, and student organizations involved in the Madison hip-hop scene.