Hip Hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc is planning to open a museum in Jamaica.
The Jamaican who helped to shape Hip Hop has announced plans to establish a hip-hop museum on the island.
Herc made the announcement after attending the Jamaica Music Conference in Kingston in February.
“When I was looking around [Kingston throughout the weekend], I saw that Peter Tosh and Bob Marley had museums,” Herc told Billboard. “Well guess what? I created something, so therefore, I have a contribution myself and it would add to the Jamaican economy with tourism.”
Herc went on to discuss how Jamaican music has been sampled of influenced mainstream music for years. “It started with Eric Clapton when he covered Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” [in 1974],” he said.
“We should use it to our benefit instead of just making noise about it. It’s nice when somebody else uses our music. Just give recognition and give back money where it comes from. [It’s always about] taking something from us, but at the same time they know we are powerful and to be respected. When they are picking off of you it says something about the music.”
According to Herc’s sister Cindy, “we are the ones who brought the style and the technique to America, which [later] became Hip Hop.”
It remains to be seen when Herc’s plans will get underway, but it seems the venture is fully welcomed by all parties concerned.
