For the first three weeks of October, acclaimed music phenomenon Salaam Remi held his MuseZeum art pop-up in the nation’s capital. Hosted at Legacy DC, a dispensary, gallery, and street art shop, each hip-hop-centric piece proudly illuminate the genre’s 50th anniversary. Elevating staples like Marvin Gaye, Slick Rick, and more, each cross blend of music, art and technology highlights prominent music pioneers with authentic artistry. 

From producer to art curator, Salaam Remi has a long winded history of fostering the craft of billboard-charting artists. Working with critically acclaimed musicians such as Nas, Amy Winehouse, and Jazmine Sullivan, Remi has mastered the industry’s inner workings and become a dominate force in the scene. Now, Remi is furthering his reach by mixing visual mediums with his known audio presence. 

The fruition for each exhibit first came to life with Remi’s admiration for Slick Rick and other hip-hop trailblazers. Each unique art installation connects to Remi- from inspirations, to influences, to collaborations. On every art piece, Remi holds the title of canvas artist, even photographing one design featuring Nas. 

Immediately upon entrance, a MuseZeum team member greets you with a personal tour of each art instillation.  Paired with each visual component is an audio element, with speakers and bluetooth installed into each artwork. During the tour, a song by every artist is played at their respective canvas. Each speaker is discretely disguised into a sound system matching the artist’s style.

It sounds like your average modern art gallery, yet it is far from it. The curation of the exhibition is a collected effort by photographers, audio designers, painters, woodworkers, and more, who helped showcase of over 10 intricate canvases. Glazed in glittering reflective frames, every piece features an artistic twist of the music’s equivalent emotion. 

Accompanying the art is merchandise, featuring a wide array of sweatshirts. From artist faces to art prints, attendees can bring home a piece of the pop up with them. According to MuseZeum’s team, 40% of the profits from each sold item is donated to the artist involved. That means you, the artist, and Museum’s team all benefit from the market. 

Though rooted in Miami, Florida, Remi’s MuseZeum has traveled up the east coast, making its first appearance at Legacy New York. Imprinting on DC’s art and music scene, attendees gain a taste of authentic hip-hop culture from an original architect in the game. It may have been MuseZeum’s first appearance in DC but it will hopefully not be its last. Stay tuned to see when the gallery will be back in the district.