Mass Appeal, in partnership with SHOWTIME, launched an exclusive interactive experience honoring the kick-off of their first three feature documentaries in the #HipHop50 campaign – You’re Watching Video Music Box, Ricky Powell: The Individualist, and Rolling Like Thunder. Each documentary has been recreated into a live exhibition that will walk guests down memory lane as we pay homage to the architects who were instrumental to the Hip Hop culture as we know it today. See exhibit details below:
The first installation has guests living a day in the life of the “Funky Uncle”. They’ll stroll famous village destinations like Washington Square Park while taking in the daily visual ephemera that fueled Ricky’s inspiration. Grab a treat from the Frozade stand, while you people watch the kooks passing by.
The Individualist premieres Friday, December 10 at 8pm ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
You’re Watching Video Music Box
- The immersive journey continues by transporting guests to the VIP area backstage at a Hip Hop concert. Ralph was a staple in these exclusive areas, documenting countless historic moments, and we’ll let guests feel that energy of walking these halls.
- The installation will feature all the necessary accouterments that are found backstage: dressing rooms, green room, VIP passes, and the VMB camera on-hand to capture your very own “shout out.”
- You’re Watching Video Music Box premieres Friday, December 3 at 8pm ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
Rolling Like Thunder
- The final stop on our journey will take our guests to the hallowed ground not seen by many: the railyards. You’ll feel the crunch of the gravel beneath your feet as you make your way to our own “benching” area. From here, our guests will be able to observe a gallery installation of notable freight train graffiti artists, curated by director Roger Gastman. Before you head out you’ll be able to leave your mark on our tagging wall. Rolling Like Thunder premieres Friday, December 17 at 8pm ET/PT on SHOWTIME.
You’re Watching Video Music Box, Ricky Powell: The Individualist, and Rolling Like Thunder are part of HIP HOP 50 from SHOWTIME, the multiyear, cross-platform programming initiative celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop in collaboration with entertainment company Mass Appeal.
HIP HOP 50, which is kicking off this December with three new documentaries celebrating the storied history of the music genre, will continue to run over the next three years and will encompass unscripted series and features, podcasts, and digital shorts by and about some of the foremost names in the genre, culminating with the 50th anniversary of the genre in 2023.
The initiative is driven by Nas and Mass Appeal Chief Creative Officer and Emmy-nominated partner Sacha Jenkins.
Photography by: Amparo
The HIPHOP50 Experience is located at 381 Broadway in New York City
Open to the general public on 12/3 through 12/19 with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.