You Don’t Got Dis: A Hip Hop Legacy
Co-sponsored by Emory University
Nov. 3 – Dec. 3, 2023
Science Gallery Atlanta, 225 Rogers St. NE, Atlanta 30317
Register here

In 1993, Darryl “Jasz” Smith opened EarWax Records in Midtown Atlanta with the goal of making hard-to-find music easily available. Credited as the first Atlanta retailer to carry an extensive selection of hip-hop music, EarWax’s prime location on Peachtree Street made it a popular public meeting place as well as a destination for DJs, artists, producers, promoters, athletes and celebrities. EarWax hosted media events, live performances, listening sessions and the iconic rap duo OutKast in-store.

“You Don’t Got Dis” will make visitors feel like they have just entered EarWax Records back in 1993. The exhibit highlights Smith’s hip hop collections, as well as those of other notable collectors, producers, and DJs, to showcase the vast archival legacy of hip hop. The exhibit features never before seen photographs and flyers from concerts and events, rare mixtapes, cassette and vinyl installments, magazine collections, a graffiti exhibit – even an EarWax Records pop-up store filled with vinyl.

Emory’s connection to this exhibit and event, coupled with the Emory Libraries’ burgeoning hip hop collections, shows that the university feels it’s important to bring attention to the history and culture of music that gave a voice to a generation, says Valeda Dent, Emory University vice provost of libraries and museum.

“I grew up as a child of hip hop,” Dent says. “It was the soundtrack of my life. What I listened to, what I wore, and how I navigated my way around New York City as a kid were completely influenced by hip hop. My friends and I understood that hip hop was not just about the music – it situated us in the world in a way that made sense to us. It gave us a very unique voice. I am so grateful for the artistic community in Atlanta and for Emory University where the importance of hip hop’s contributions can be recognized and celebrated.”

—by Maureen McGavin, senior writer, Emory Libraries

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