The Classics – An Album Cover Art Exploration

Been working on this for about 3 months and its finally here –  The Classics will be going down next Wed. and, if you’ve been following my blog at all, you’ll see that I’ve got some great surprises for you.

Stay tuned  for more updates and read below for the “formal” press release:

Washington, DC – The Beastie Boys’ “Licensed to Ill,” Run DMC’s “King of Rock,” and Tribe Called Quest’s “Low End Theory;” those are just a few of the ground breaking artists and albums that conjure up nostalgic sounds, fashion, imagery, and dance moves that helped shape Hip Hop culture – specifically, Rap music.

And beginning on Wednesday September 30^th, Art vs Commerce, Smirnoff Vodka and The Source Magazine will partner to form The Classics – an album cover art series that will feature over 25 of the those classic Rap music album covers, courtesy of DJ 2-Tone Jones.  In addition to the exhibition, DJ 2-Tone Jones and Nick Da 1da will spin a variety of those timeless records, while guests are treated to themed complimentary cocktails, courtesy of Smirnoff (7pm-9pm).

The goal of The Classics, whose first exhibition entitled RAP, will take place on Wednesday September 30^th at Lounge of 3 – 1013 U Street NW from 5pm-9pm, is to bring visibility to and celebrate the role that iconic album cover artwork has played as a cross-cultural communicator, between artists and fans, specifically within the genres of Rap, Soul/Funk, and Reggae music.

Each gallery styled event (produced by Art vs Commerce) will have, on exhibit, an assortment of album covers that are specific to a genre of music, with the criteria for album cover selection being based on creativity, rarity, and song and artist/group significance.  To help bring these visuals to life, the events will also be accompanied by a DJ who will play music – specific to the event’s genre.

In addition to the exhibitions, a series of cultural projects, which will be used both on and offsite, will also be developed in support of each event.  These projects include a:

– Mixtape: a journey via soundscape

– Interview: first hand account from a primary source.  RAP: Cey Adams

– DVD: a mixed media package featuring videos, interviews, and publicity shots of the artists/groups featured

– Themed drink menu

For more information visit www.gmoney77.wordpress.com or call 202.460.3594.