Afrika Bambaataa plans to create the National Museum of Hip-Hop at the Kingsbridge Armory in Bronx. With the legendary DJ and activist’s history as a conduit of Hip-Hop culture, his plans to bring a museum to the very same Bronx streets from which the culture originated should come as no surprise.
While Bambaataa, a Bronx native himself, has already signed a letter of intent to create the museum, its future is predicated on a winning bid from the Youngwood and Associates developers, who happen to be just one of a long list of developers hoping to attain the property.
Bambaataa intends to hash out his plans with Bronx borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., with hopes of furthering the progress of the project. The Universal Zulu Nation member also cites the support of the Hip-Hop community as a potential X-factor in raising awareness for the museum.
Fans awaiting the outcome of the bidding war will have to be patient, as the winner will not be announced until the end of the year by the New York City Economic Development Corporation. With stiff competition like a potential ice center with nine skating rinks, hopefully Hip-Hop will come recognize the importance of supporting something that will preserve our rich culture.