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We unveil the visual creator shouted out in one of the most famous rap songs of all time

Miami Hip Hop and photography enthusiasts came out in droves for a rare discussion between Esdras T. Thelusma and the Miami Herald's Carl Juste

There are several reasons why the Art of Hip Hop is considered a significant and appealing cultural activity in Miami: Rich Cultural Heritage: Miami has a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, influenced by its multicultural population. Hip-hop, with its roots in African American and Latino communities, contributes to the rich tapestry of Miami's cultural heritage. Street Art and Graffiti Culture: Miami is known for its vibrant street art and graffiti culture, and Hip Hop often plays a central role in these artistic expressions. The founders of Art of Hip Hop are experts in graffiti and incorporate it into the exhibition as graffiti in an important element of Hip Hop. Musicians Vs. Visual Artists: Hip Hop music plays a significant role in global music culture. From live performances to nightclubs, to radio and streaming it is hard to ignore the big names in music that record labels promote. However, at the Art of Hip Hop exhibition, you get to learn about the other creators in Hip Hop such as the fashion designers, album cover artists, and photographers. Community Engagement: Hip-hop has a long history of being a voice for social issues and community engagement. Art of Hip Hop's hip-hop related events such as talks, signings, and more provide a platform for discussions on important societal topics and contribute to community building. Celebration of Diversity: Hip-hop is known for celebrating diversity and providing a platform for voices from different backgrounds. In Miami, where diversity is a hallmark, the Art of Hip Hop exhibition resonates across races, genders, and ages as we all have a Hip Hop story to tell. Artistic Expression: The exhibition shows the various forms of artistic expression from within Hip Hop beyond the music. You will learn about dance, visual arts, and fashion. Events related to the art of hip-hop can showcase a wide range of talents and creative expressions. Beat the Elements! Whether its rain or extreme heat, we are the perfect experience in the heart of Wynwood to still see urban art, photography and graffiti even if the weather isn't holding up!

Photographer Manny Hernandez has documented Miami's cultural evolution through decades of candid images, showcasing the city's celebrity-driven prominence in the 1990s and its multicultural embrace. Starting as a part-time job during college, Hernandez's passion evolved into a profession, capturing icons for major publications like Vanity Fair and Vogue. Throughout the last 34 years, Manny Hernandez has captured the city's essence in arts, fashion, and celebrities, culminating in "CANDIDS Miami 2," a sequel to his 2018 release, offering a nostalgic reflection on South Florida's vibrant '90s scene before social media. Born and raised in Miami, Hernandez's candid approach, documented in 100+ images shot on 35mm negative film, unveils the significance of his hard work during those glorious years. In January, Hernandez launched CANDIDS 2 at Art of Hip Hop at an event that featured a conversation with legendary film director and controversial media personality Billy Corben who reminisced with Hernandez about the candid photos of polarizing Hip Hop stars and more. Photos of a young Jay-Z, show how the glitz and glam of Miami drew Hip Hop stars in for wild beach concerts, music video shoots on Star Island, and more. Hernandez claims that his photo of Big Pun seen in the book was taken during Big Pun's one and only trip to Miami. Big Pun was a Puerto Rican-American rapper and one of the pioneers of Latino hip-hop. Big Pun gained fame in the late 1990s with his debut album "Capital Punishment," which included the hit single "Still Not a Player." His career unfortunately ended prematurely with his death in 2000 at the age of 28 due to a heart attack. Despite his untimely passing, Big Pun's impact on hip-hop and his legacy continue to be celebrated.

Doze Green is an American contemporary artist and one of the influential figures in the world of street art and graffiti. Born in 1964, Doze Green initially gained prominence as a graffiti artist in the hip-hop scene during the 1980s in New York City. He was a part of the Rock Steady Crew, a legendary break dancing crew that played a significant role in the early hip-hop movement. Doze Green's artistic style has evolved over the years, blending elements of graffiti, abstract art, and traditional fine arts. His work often features dynamic, fluid lines, vibrant colors, and a fusion of urban and spiritual themes. He is known for his distinctive approach to visual storytelling, incorporating elements of mythology, spirituality, and cultural symbolism. In addition to his work in the street art and graffiti scene, Doze Green has exhibited his artwork in galleries and museums worldwide. His pieces are sought after by collectors, and he continues to be recognized for his contributions to the contemporary art scene. In January 2024, Doze painted a sprawling mural outside the Art of Hip Hop in Wynwood to recognize the original Breakdancers from the early days of the movement. The mural was unveiled with a celebration at Art of Hip Hop that featured a panel discussion with Doze and other generations of B-Boys such as Louiediology and Chillski. The main topic of the discussion was how far breakdancing has come from being a children's pass time in developing neighborhoods in the Bronx and Brooklyn to being part of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This is the first year break dancing will be in the Olympics and a lot of people have a lot to say about this. You can find the entire talk on our Youtube channel and check out the commemorative T-Shirt and Poster that were created to honor the wall. Also, watch this video here for a full explanation of who are all the faces in the mural.