UMASS ARCHIVE

MASS HIP HOP ARCHIVE

University Archives and Special Collections | Joseph P Healey Library | University of Massachusetts Boston

Massachusetts Hip Hop Archive Launch November 19, 2016 at the Boston Public Library was a success.

On Saturday, November 19th, in a celebration of hip-hop history month, UMass Boston’s Special Collections and the Boston Public Library invited the public to the launch of the Massachusetts Hip-Hop Archive Artist panels with legendary local hip-hop artists from the 1980s to the present; including members of Top Choice Clique, Almighty RSO, FTI Crew, Akrobatik, Bay Holla, Professor Lyrical, among others;

Photo by: Jaypix Belmer

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BROWSE ARCHIVE

In the history of hip-hop in America, which is now being popularized by shows like The Get Down, Boston has always played a very important, but under-appreciated role. Although many people recognize Boston as the epicenter of the 1980s boy-band explosion that began with groups like New Edition and New Kids on the Block, the rap scene that was happening in Boston at the same time has generated much less national recognition.

With relatively little support from commercial radio, college stations have always played a major role in supporting the local rap scene in Boston. Among the first and most important of these shows was Lecco’s Lemma, a rap and electro show that was started in September 1985 by local scenster, painter and DJ, Magnus Johnstone.

The Beginning:: Lecco's Lemma Show and unreleased demo tapes from the Lecco’s Lemma collection from artists like Guru (Keithy E), the Almighty RSO,Top Choice Clique, FTI Crew, and many others;