The opening night of the “50 Years of Hiphop Flyers” exhibit went down June 1st, 2023. In the YouTube video above the legendary Prime Minister Pete Nice, renowned for his role in 3rd Bass, gives us the story behind the creation of this event.
This exhibit, co-curated by the hip-hop preservationists Pete Nice and Paradise Gray of the X – Clan is a treasure box of hip-hop history. It’s not just any exhibit, it’s a journey through time told through flyers.
Displayed were flyers by iconic artists including P.H.A.S.E. 2, Buddy Esquire, Anthony Riley, Riff 170, Siquo Kid, and a host of others.
The exhibit featured flyer collections contributed by Easy AD from Cold Crush, Cut Chemist, DJ Ross 1, Sureshot La Rock, and several other collectors. In fact, the largest collection of hip hop flyers in the country belong to Sureshot La Rock.
Pete Nice puts it, it’s all about preserving the history that’s been captured on paper, much of which has been lost over the years. These aren’t just any flyers they’re pieces of art that tell the story of hip-hop’s evolution.
Pete himself embarked on this journey in 1986 when he first found his name on a flyer at a Brooklyn show featuring Dana Dane, Whistle, Salt-N-Pepa, and The Ultimate 3 MC’s. The show got canceled due to a shootout, but that flyer became the starting point of his collection.
Pete Nice tales of his buddy J Blast introducing him to the legendary P.H.A.S.E. 2 and how this exhibit is a dedication to the late hip hop flyer pioneer.
Your thoughts on hip-hop flyers? Do you have a collection of your own or know someone who’s a passionate collector? Share your thoughts and let us know if you or someone you know is a dedicated collector – Tag us social media or send in your pics!
