The Reece Museum, the Black American Studies Program and the Institute of Appalachian Music and Culture present Hip Hop Listening Room, an afternoon of music, poetry, soul food, visual art, and conversation exploring how the sounds of the past inspire the voices of today. Taking place on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 12 PM to 3 PM, this event is free admission and open to the public. Audiences are welcome to drop in and out throughout the event.

Hosted by Craig Charles, the event will feature "Future Proof," an album of fresh new music incorporating samples from historic recordings housed in the ETSU Archives of Appalachia at Sherrod Library. The album is connected to "Archives to the Mic," a songwriting initiative inviting artists to transform archival sounds into original Hip Hop songs. During a curated album listening party, artists will share selected tracks and discuss how archival recordings become the foundation for new music. Hear the stories behind the songs, explore the art of sampling, and discover the connections among history, cultural memory, and hip hop.

The afternoon will feature a talk by Adam Dickson exploring Hip Hop and Black politics, along with an artist talk and slideshow by Doniqua Joyner offering insight into her exhibition Frequency and creative process. Live music and poetry performances will add energy and new perspectives, while audience Q&A sessions will invite thoughtful discussion with presenters and performers.

Enjoy soul food, browse merchandise and swag tables, and connect with people who share an appreciation for music, art, and culture. Aspiring songwriters will also learn about the upcoming “Archives to the Mic” songwriting competition and the opportunity to create original lyrics using select tracks from “Future Proof."