Preview: Smithsonian's Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Jack Mitchell Archives

Public Enemy in front of a "Don't Believe the Hype" mural, 1988.

Hip-hop and rap have made an indelible mark on music and popular culture in America. Now that influence is being chronicled by the Smithsonian in an expansive collection of music, photos and stories.

The Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap is part of a joint venture between the National Museum of African American History and Culture and Smithsonian Folkways Recordings to tell the story of hip-hop. The anthology comprises nine CDs and a 300-page book with liner notes, essays by artists and scholars and never-before-published photographs.

To help make the anthology a reality, a 30-day Kickstarter campaign was launched and recently reached. Backers of the campaign will receive rewards based on their donation level including limited edition trading cards featuring hip-hop icons designed by Mike Thompson.

Darryl McDaniels and Rev Run of Run-DMC

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Bill Adler

Darryl McDaniels and Rev Run of Run-DMC in 1992.

LL Cool J

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Al Pereira

LL Cool J performing at the Beacon Theater in New York City, 1991.

Eazy-E

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Al Pereira

Rapper and member of NWA Eazy-E in Union Square in New York City, 1990.

Afrika Bambaataa

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Ricky Powell

Afrika Bambaataa, founder of the Universal Zulu Nation.

Mary J. Blige

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Al Pereira

Mary J. Blige at the New York Music Awards, 1992.

Run-DMC

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Ricky Powell,

Run-DMC on the rooftop of Russell Simmons' apartment building in New York City, 1990.

2 Live Crew fans

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Al Pereira.

Fans of 2 Live Crew during a performance in Miami, Florida, 1994.

Queen Latifah

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Photograph by Al Pereira

Queen Latifah photographed during the filming of her music video for "Fly Girl," 1991.

Big Boi of Outkast

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Janette Beckman.

Big Boi of Outkast in New York City, 2004.