Cornell Hip Hop Collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cornell Hip Hop Collection (CHHC)?

The Cornell Hip Hop Collection (CHHC) is a research archive of artifacts and audio/visual materials documenting Hip Hop. The mission of the CHHC is to collect these artifacts, make them available to researchers, and preserve them for future generations. The original core of the Cornell Hip Hop Collection, about 7,000 items, was donated to Cornell University Library by author and collector Johan Kugelberg in 2007. Since that time, it has continued to grow through the generosity of artists, collectors, writers, photographers, DJs, record labels, and members of the Hip Hop community.

Where is the Hip Hop Collection located?

The collection is located in Ithaca, New York at Cornell University. It physically resides in the Carl A. Kroch Library, an underground, purpose-built rare book and manuscript facility in the center of Cornell’s campus.

What kind of artifacts does it contain?

The collection includes sound and video recordings, event flyers, photographs, manuscripts, books, magazines, artwork, press clippings, and much more.

What is the difference between museum collections and archival collections?

Museums typically educate the public by presenting interpretive stories through displays of selected artifacts. Research archives, such as the CHHC, permanently preserve deep and comprehensive documentary records so that historians, scholars, students, or any other interested person can interact with the raw data of history. Museums, libraries, and archives frequently collaborate to create exhibitions and other educational programs.

Why is the Hip Hop Collection at Cornell University?

The Cornell Hip Hop Collection began in 2007 with the acquisition of an archive assembled by collector Johan Kugelberg in collaboration with pioneering Hip Hop photographer Joe Conzo, Jr. While preparing their book Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop, they sought a permanent home for the archive in a library, museum, or archive. Of all the institutions Kugelberg and Conzo approached, Cornell University Library was the institution that committed to preserving the archive and making it publicly accessible.

Who can see the CHHC?

The CHHC is open to everyone. You don’t need to be affiliated with Cornell University to view materials in the Hip Hop Collection. We welcome students, scholars, and community members from around the globe. Anyone with a research question, personal interest, or desire to learn more about Hip Hop is welcome to make an appointment (rareref@cornell.edu). Because the CHHC is a research archive and not a museum display, when scheduling your visit, you will need to tell us which topics you are interested in, or which artifacts you would like to see. This allows our staff time to retrieve and prepare materials for your visit.

Can I walk in without an appointment and see the CHHC?

No, because the Cornell Hip Hop Collection is a research archive rather than a museum exhibition. To ensure their long-term preservation, materials are stored in secure, climate-controlled spaces which are not accessible to anyone other than library staff. While CHHC’s artifacts are sometimes featured in temporary exhibitions, and frequently included in presentations for classes and groups, researchers need to request the materials they would like to examine in advance. If you’re planning a visit, please contact us (rareref@cornell.edu) in advance so we can help identify materials related to your interests and have them ready for your visit.

How do I look at items in the CHHC?

If you’re interested in knowing whether we have specific items, you can search Cornell University Library’s catalog. If you’re not sure whether we have something you’re looking for, contact us (rareref@cornell.edu) with your questions. Once you arrive, staff will retrieve the materials you requested and bring them to you for your viewing. Because materials preserved in the CHHC are rare, unique, and/or valuable, they cannot be borrowed or taken outside the Library. However, you may take photographs (without flash) or request copies of materials for research use.

What’s expected when I arrive for a research appointment?

Before your visit, we’ll ask you to register and request the materials you’d like to see. Anyone can schedule a research appointment during our open hours (generally M-F, 10am-4pm). Our staff will retrieve items from our secure vault and bring them to you in our reading room, where you are welcome to study materials at your leisure. Due to preservation and copyright restrictions, listening/viewing access to unique audio/video recordings needs to be arranged in advance, but there are no restrictions on looking at the packaging or paper documentation accompanying commercial recordings (album sleeves, liner notes, etc.).

Can I bring a group of students or interested community members to see the CHHC?

Yes! With advance notice, we welcome requests for group presentations at Cornell or elsewhere. If you would like to arrange a visit for your students or other group, please contact us (rareref@cornell.edu).

Do you host educational programs and lectures? How do I learn about them?

Yes, we do host events, such as lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, etc. We typically promote these on our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram).

Is the CHHC available online?

In part, yes. To ensure the Hip Hop Collection reaches as many people as possible, we offer free online access to selected materials, when available resources, permissions, and copyright laws allow. Libraries and museums need to responsibly balance public interest in online collections with ethical consideration of the rights of copyright owners.

How do I offer materials to the CHHC?

We welcome offers of materials, including books, manuscripts, photographs, recordings, artwork, flyers, and archives of Hip Hop artists, organizations, businesses, community organizations, etc. Please contact us (rareref@cornell.edu) if you would like to discuss a potential donation or sale.