LOS ANGELES — Hip-hop, the revolutionary music genre that has touched the globe, is celebrating its 50th year in style.

The Grammy Museum’s latest exhibit, “Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Edition,” pays homage to the culture, fashion and iconic moments of hip-hop’s five-decade journey.

One of the exhibit’s sections features the work of celebrity nail artist Temeka Jackson, who has always been inspired by hip-hop’s fashion scene. Jackson’s intricate designs, which have adorned the nails of famous figures such as rapper Saweetie, are on full display.

“I wore Rocawear and apple bottom jeans, the boots with the fur,” she said with a smile. “I wore that back in high school. So literally, fashion is everything we saw growing up, and then we just put that to artistry and, baby, put that on a nail.”

Jackson credits hip-hop with being an outlet.

“You can do anything with hip-hop,” she said. “You can wear anything. You can step out wherever you want. Hip hop has no rules. You just go out there and you just do it.”

Jackson is immensely proud to represent the nail industry and excited to illustrate the opportunities that await fellow nail artists.

“Just because you’re a nail artist does not mean that we can’t be a part of such an iconic moment as this,” she said. “And this is breathtaking.”

The 5,000-square-foot exhibit is a comprehensive tribute, featuring everything from iconic moments to the roots of the culture. “Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Edition” displays physical examples of the genre’s creativity and has no shortage of remarkable artifacts or interactive exhibits.

Schuyler O’Neal, the Grammy Museum’s senior education manager, curated the “Rap City Experience,” an interactive homage to the legendary ‘90s and 2000s BET show, “Rap City.” Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Rap City and even step into the shoes of legendary artists, spitting their own lyrics to the beats that define the era.

“If you ever wanted to be on ‘Rap City,’ you’ll get a chance to do it here at the Grammy Museum,” O’Neal said, adding that the experience beautifully captures the impact of hip-hop, which has gone from its origins in underserved communities to a global phenomenon.

O’Neal believes that the exhibit and the museum’s educational programs play a crucial role in showing young individuals the various career opportunities in the music industry.

“We look at the show and see the person in front of the mic, and realize that there’s hundreds of jobs that go into getting that person on that stage and introducing those students to those stages through the workshops of different panels,” he said. 

The exhibit will run through Sept. 4, 2024, inviting everyone to join the celebration of a half-century of hip-hop history.