In 1982, photographer Janette Beckman found herself standing at the intersection of two worlds: the streets of London and the vibrant, fast-evolving culture of hip-hop.
Armed with a camera and a curiosity that would change the course of her career, Beckman captured a pivotal moment in hip-hop history. She was at a concert at a historic place called the Venue, which was owned by Virgin Records. Legendary hip-hoppers like Afrika Bambaataa, Fab 5 Freddy, and Rammellzee stood together—rapping, DJing, and creating live art in front of a captivated crowd.
Beckman recalls, “It was pretty amazing. I was blown away.”
That night, she didn’t just witness a performance—she watched the beginning of a cultural movement, one she would document for decades to come.
What started as a chance encounter with hip-hop’s icons soon became Beckman’s purpose: authentically capturing the culture’s raw energy and spirit.
By photographing early rap figures and working with hip-hop labels like Def Jam, Beckman provided her audience with a window into hip-hop’s origins—photographs that would serve as historical artifacts and inspire future generations to engage with the culture in their own unique ways.
A display featuring the most iconic women in hip-hop at the Art of Hip-hop Miami (Photo courtesy of Jada Denaud)
The Art of Hip-Hop has been open at 299 NW 25th St. in Wynwood since 2023. It celebrates the photographers and artists who have shaped hip-hop’s visual legacy in photos and art for sale or prints for sale that go as much as $3,000. It’s run by the same people who started the nearby museum Museum of Graffiti.
Visitors are surrounded by a dynamic blend of vivid graffiti, iconic photographs, and multimedia installations that bring hip-hop’s visual culture to life. With over 60 pieces of art on display, the exhibit shines a light on the culture’s evolution, revealing that hip-hop is more than just a music genre—it’s a global movement with deep artistic roots.
This year’s exhibit theme, “Eyejammie,” draws from the curated works of Bill Adler, former Def Jam publicist and founder of Eyejammie Fine Arts Gallery. His collection—on loan from the Smithsonian—cements the idea that hip-hop’s visual documentation is just as vital as its musical evolution. Images are displayed throughout the museum from many talented photographers, including Al Pereira, who is known for capturing iconic moments in 1990s hip-hop, with rare shots of rap legends like Queen Latifah. Also featured is Adrian Boot, a British photographer celebrated for documenting reggae culture and political unrest in Jamaica, famously photographing Bob Marley and the punk scene.
The exhibit celebrates these unsung visionaries and offers a deeper understanding of how their contributions continue to influence and define hip-hop today.
General manager Lexi Archambeau points out: “You might know Lil Wayne or Tupac, but who took those photos? Or who designed that logo or album cover?”
Interactive vinyl display at the Art of Hip-Hop in Miami. (Photo courtesy of Jada Denaud)
Behind the scenes at the Museum of Graffiti and the Art of Hip-Hop exhibit, local DJ and event curator Conrad Prophet plays a key role in preserving and presenting hip-hop culture.
Prophet helps manage podcasts, assists with events, and leads tours through the museum, where he ensures that visitors see the art in a meaningful context. “Part of my job is making sure the art is seen the right way—framing these works in a way that highlights their cultural impact,” he said.
A Miami native, Prophet grew up immersed in the city’s hip-hop scene, often joining his older brother at warehouse parties and open mic nights. Those early experiences sparked a deep appreciation for the genre, which eventually led him to create mixes that gained traction among listeners across the country—and even abroad.
Now, his work at the museum reflects a personal mission to give back. “This is a place that gives hip-hop the respect it deserves,” Prophet said. “It shows people that this culture comes from real values—like unity, creativity and community.”
Artwork by Still Alive in the Art of Hip-Hop exhibit (Photo Courtesy of Jada Denaud)
One artist whose work appears in the Art of Hip-Hop is the 47-year-old Swiss graffiti artist/writer Rafael Maurer, better known as Still Alive. His journey from Switzerland to the streets of New York illustrates how hip-hop transcends borders and influences creative communities worldwide. He has been creating graffiti since 1989. His journey was inspired by skateboarding culture, Thrasher Magazine, Yo! MTV Raps, and local Swiss graffiti publications.
Still Alive’s passion for art began at a young age. His sister served as his first mentor. He began drawing at five years old but temporarily abandoned his artistic pursuits during his teenage years, turning to skateboarding and becoming inspired by that culture’s influence on graphics and graffiti.
After an initial setback in applying to art school, Still Alive found a supportive art teacher who helped him rediscover his talent and passion for drawing. “I realized that drawing might be my one real talent,” he recalls. This moment marked a turning point in his artistic journey, ultimately leading him to pursue graffiti art professionally.
By the late 1990s, Still Alive had co-founded Nonstop Magazine, an international graffiti magazine that connected artists worldwide. His travels to cities such as New York, Austin, Los Angeles, and San Francisco helped him build a global network within the graffiti community. His work often centers on New York City subway maps, referencing both the city’s importance in hip-hop history and the necessity of understanding subway routes in graffiti culture.
This focus is evident in his featured art at the exhibit
His work draws inspiration from the iconic ’80s and ‘90s hip-hop artists and the urban landscape that shaped his style. “The maps I paint mostly feature hip-hop artists from the ’80s and ’90s—the pioneers of the culture,” he explains.
Still Alive’s journey reflects hip-hop’s powerful influence on communities worldwide. It’s this impact, amplified by the Art of Hip-Hop exhibit, that highlights how the culture continues to evolve and inspire across continents and generations.
As he puts it, “Everyone takes away something different from my work, depending on their own connection to hip-hop, art, or the people portrayed. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s inspiration—or maybe it’s just an appreciation for the craft.”
From vibrant graffiti to rare photo prints, the Art of Hip-Hop does more than display artifacts—it invites reflection. It affirms that hip-hop, at its core, is a multifaceted art form rooted in five elements: MC’ing, DJ’ing, graffiti, breakdancing, and beatboxing. Through its visual legacy, the culture tells a story of resilience, innovation, and community.
Beckman’s words echo as a reminder: “Hip-hop is more than music. It’s a visual culture. A way of life.”
As visitors walk through rooms filled with color, rhythm, and memory, one thing becomes clear: hip-hop’s influence isn’t just heard—it’s seen, felt, and forever evolving.
Art Of Hip Hop, 299 NW 25th ST, Miami, FL 33127
HEY@MUSEUMOFGRAFFITI.COM
+1 (786)-772-1604
Hours
Monday to Thursday: 11 to 6 p.m.
Friday to Sunday: 11 to 7 p.m.
