Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

The Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap explores hip-hop’s widespread cultural impact over the last 45 years — and chronicles the genesis, rise and evolution of hip-hop as a social and musical movement.

From the outset, we wanted the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap to be reflective of the culture, of the music, of the people, of everything that is part of hip-hop. Dwandalyn R. Reece "Producer's Note," Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

Expand All

Test Your Hip-Hop Knowledge

Download Your Virtual Background

Turntable used by Grand Wizzard Theodore

Anthology Track Listing

After some back and forth, MC Lyte asked a simple question which set the course for the rest of the day, 'Can the song tell the story of hip-hop? A lot of songs on the list are popular and received a lot of votes, but did that song move the culture any further. '

Dwandalyn R. Reece
"Producer's Note," Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

Disc 1 (1979-1982):

Disc 2 (1982-1984):

Disc 3 (1984-1987):

Disc 4 (1987-1989):

Disc 5 (1989-1991):

Disc 6 (1992-1994):

Disc 7 (1994-1997):

Disc 8 (1997-2003):

Disc 9 (2004-2013):