Proposed Hip Hop Museum Sparks Controversy

In Hip Hops 30 plus year history, many have argued what is and is not Hip Hop. Now, New York City officials are attempting to put their stamp on the culture.

According to a BBC News article, the New York City Council has allocated $1.5 million to the establishment of a Hip Hop museum in the Bronx area of the city.

"This is where it all started on the streets of the Bronx. It's an urban creation," council member Larry Seabrook said.

But the contents of the museum have already caused some members to enter the debate of what is and is not Hip Hop, which means that some artists may be excluded from the museum if certain politicians have their way.

The city council would like to distance itself from what it deems, gangsta rap. Old school groups like NWA may find themselves out in the cold along with modern day stars 50 Cent, Lil Kim The Game and others.

"We're not talking about gangsta rap," says Seabrook. "We're talking about hip-hop."

Anybody can be a thug, he added.

While Seabrooks words may be music to the ears of parents and some Hip Hop purists who blasts the elements of the culture that degrade women and promote violence, it brings up issues as to who will be the gate keepers for content for the proposed museum.

Seabrook says that the museum will pay homage to Hip Hops roots. DX will keep you posted.