City Councilmen, Hip-Hop Legends Push For Creation Of Hip-Hop Museum In The Bronx

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - The pioneers of hip-hop are hoping to create a museum in the Bronx dedicated to the genre.

Organizers say it would be called the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

Afrika Bambaataa, of the South Bronx, said the museum would look at the historical and cultural roots of hip-hop and the contributions made by break dancers and disc jockeys.

Bambaataa is often referred to as the father of hip-hop. He would serve as the museum's chairman.

The museum hopes to open in 2017 inside the Kingsbridge Armory, which is being redeveloped into a national ice sports center. The plan was announced at a news conference on Wednesday.

Bambaataa was honored in a ceremony at City Hall along with other hip-hop pioneers, including Grandmaster Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz Brown and Grand Wizzard Theodore.

Bambaataa said many people think of rappers when they hear the word hip-hop. But he said there's a whole culture and movement behind it.

An advisory committee has formed a non-profit to help raise money for the potential project.

City Councilmen Jumaane Williams and Fernando Cabrera are leading the charge for the endeavor.

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