Hard Rock International on Monday said it will honor the inaugural Hip-Hop History Month in November.
In July, the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution to name November Hip-Hop History Month. Hard Rock said its properties around the globe, including Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos, will be honoring the impact hip-hop music has had on history and culture throughout the month.
Hip-Hop Happy Hours will take place every day in November at participating Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos. At 6 pm local time the music played throughout the properties' public spaces will be exclusively hip-hop.
During the month of November, the online Rock Shop will feature exclusive Autograph series merchandise, including a limited-edition pin, t-shirt and sweatshirt celebrating legendary hip-hop artist Tupac Shakur.
The company noted its three divisions are host to a variety of iconic hip-hop memorabilia items, from Run-DMC’s classic Adidas sneakers, to several outfits that Nicki Minaj wore during The Pinkprint Tour, a handwritten poem by Tupac Shakur, and a pair of blue jean overalls worn by Busta Rhymes on his “Fire” music video.
Contemporary items include DJ Khaled's Miami jersey from Hard Rock’s commercial shoot for Super Bowl LIV and Megan Thee Stallion’s bathing suit from the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2021, during which she made history as the first rapper to land the cover.
According to the company, approximately 70 memorabilia items from hip-hop artists currently are displayed across the nation, including pieces from Ice-T, JAY-Z, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, LL Cool J, MC Hammer, Snoop Dogg, Tone Loc, Eminem and more. In addition, Hard Rock’s collection features several mementos from artists who paved the way for the genre, as well as crossover artists who have been inspired by hip-hop.
Hard Rock said in a statement its new hotel concept, REVERB, was launched with the purpose of being an “energetic cultural hub for connection, creation, and inspiration” among music fans, locals, and travelers alike. At REVERB Downtown Atlanta, the company said guests will notice ties to the surrounding neighborhood weaved throughout the property, paying tribute to the talented musicians and music aficionados who make the city unique.
In addition, the company said REVERB City Guides were introduced for guests to connect with the area’s vibrant community and culture. Exclusive to the REVERB Downtown Atlanta, a variety of local artists, including hometown hip-hop musicians Big Boi, CeeLo Green, Sa-Roc, and Boregard., curated their own City Guides that highlight their favorite Atlanta hangouts. To hear City Guide recommendations, guests are encouraged to utilize in-room Amazon Alexa features to learn about nearby hot spots from the local musicians.
“At Hard Rock, we believe music is a language that brings the world closer together. It is part of our DNA,” Keith Sheldon, president of entertainment at Hard Rock International, said in a statement. “As Hard Rock continues to evolve, just as music does, it is unmistakable how hip-hop has impacted our brand over the years. We look forward to celebrating acclaimed artists from the genre – from past to present – this first Hip-Hop History Month.”
From a single Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock today owns one of the world’s largest and most valuable collections of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe.
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in 68 countries spanning 241 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops, Live Performance Venues and Cafes.
In 2020, HRI launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital, which includes an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform.
