About

Beyond The 50: Continuing Hip Hop’s Legacy is a multi-dimensional cultural exhibition at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport that documents Hip Hop’s foundational milestones, technological evolution, and global expansion. While Atlanta serves as a central lens, the exhibition situates the city within a broader national and international movement.

With displays located at the at the E14 gate, E14 Delta Sky Club entrance and between the E14 /E15 gates, EarWax Records: The Heartbeat of Atlanta Hip Hop is replica of the iconic,  EarWax Records storefront.  Located in Midtown Atlanta, Earwax was a cultural hub, from early1990s to late 2000s. More than retail store, EarWax was a large part of the ATL cultural and music fabric. EarWax was a gathering place for artists, DJs, and innovators, and creatives whose energy helped define an era in ATL.

 

Also located at the Delta Sky Club entrance is, The Definitive: Atlanta’s Hip Hop Firsts. A documented presentation of the contributions and milestones that were foundational to ATL’s Hip Hop culture. Long before digital archiving, artists, crews, institutions, and entrepreneurs established pivotal “firsts” — from Grammy and platinum achievements to mixtape series, publications, radio programs, labels, and collectives. These milestones illustrate how infrastructure and innovation strengthened the culture’s professional and creative foundation.

 

Located at E14, “Give the DJ a Break: Street to Studio” centers around Hip Hop’s original architect, the DJ . Featuring vintage DJ equipment, original breakbeat records and flyers,the display traces the culture’s humble NYC beginnings. It’s progression to production and early drum machines, is presented with a tribute to ATL’s longest operating Hip Hop studio, Patchwerk Recordings. This exhibit underscores how the DJ’s competitive skill and technical ear became the blueprint for modern sound.

 

Between gates E14/E15, Hip Hop Is Global: From Local Airwaves to Worldwide Influence offers a glimpse into various ways Hip Hop was marketed.  From radio airwaves, to tv commercials, to videos and magizines, Hip Hop is a marketing masterclass.  Whether the DJ, dancer, artist,  MC or style, every part of Hip Hop’s anatomy can be seen everywhere in the world. For over five decades, it has shaped music, fashion, media, academia, and youth culture worldwide.