On October 15, 2025, the historic Cipriani Wall Street in New York City pulsed with energy as The Hip Hop Museum (THHM) hosted its 2025 Annual Benefit Gala. The black-tie event brought together legends, executives, artists, and industry leaders to celebrate hip-hop’s past, present, and future while raising vital funds to complete the museum’s long-awaited home in the Bronx. The evening’s theme, “Building Hip-Hop’s Forever Home,” reflected both the pride and purpose of this milestone occasion.

The Mission: Preserving the Culture, Inspiring Generations

The Hip Hop Museum’s mission is to celebrate, preserve, and inspire. It exists to document the origins and evolution of hip-hop culture, honor its pioneers, and educate future generations about its global impact. The museum, set to officially open its doors in 2026, will be located in the Bronx, the birthplace of hip-hop.

Spanning approximately 55,000 square feet, the museum’s space will include exhibition galleries, interactive installations, and a performance theater. Its focus extends beyond music—it will spotlight hip-hop’s influence on fashion, dance, art, entrepreneurship, and social change. By combining history with technology and storytelling, The Hip Hop Museum aims to create an immersive experience that brings the essence of hip-hop to life for visitors from all walks of life.

The Gala: A Celebration of Icons and Innovation

Hosted by hip-hop pioneer Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker, the evening was a fusion of elegance and authenticity. Inside Cipriani’s grand hall, tables glittered beneath chandeliers as guests—ranging from hip-hop’s founding figures to today’s chart-toppers—gathered to honor the movement that changed the world.

The night featured a lineup of awards recognizing those who have shaped and uplifted the culture. Honorees included:

• Slick Rick – Storytelling Vanguard Award

• Fat Joe – People’s Champ Vanguard Award

• Dr. Michael Eric Dyson – Hip-Hop Scholar Award

• Golnar Khosrowshahi – Trailblazer Award

• Elizabeth Vélez – Foundation to the Roof Award

• Sal Abbatiello – All the Way Up Award

• Adam & Mindy Silverstein – One Love Philanthropy Award

• The Hon. Carl Heastie – Changemaker Award

• Andre Harrell – Posthumous Legacy Award

The event also featured a dynamic performance by DJ Cassidy, who filled the room with the energy and soul of classic hip-hop hits.

Nas Donates $1 Million: A Defining Moment

The highlight of the night came when Nasir “Nas” Jones—legendary rapper, entrepreneur, and cultural visionary—pledged $1 million to The Hip Hop Museum. His contribution represents more than a generous donation; it symbolizes hip-hop investing in itself, ensuring that the culture’s legacy is preserved by those who lived it.

Nas’s words during the event resonated deeply: “This museum is more than a building—it’s a time capsule for everything we’ve created, and everything we continue to inspire. Hip-hop deserves this home.”

His pledge sparked a wave of applause and emotion, marking a pivotal moment for the museum’s future.

Why It Matters: A Home for the Culture

Hip-hop has shaped the world for over five decades—transforming language, style, politics, and identity across continents. Yet, despite its global influence, there has never been a permanent institution solely dedicated to preserving its story from within the community. The Hip Hop Museum will change that.

By archiving artifacts, oral histories, and media, the museum ensures that the story of hip-hop—from block parties in the Bronx to the global stage—is told authentically. It also provides educational programs for young people, empowering them to see hip-hop not only as entertainment but as a force for creativity, entrepreneurship, and social progress.

The guest list read like a who’s who of hip-hop excellence, included Big Daddy Kane, Jim Jones, Zeddy Will, Maino, 2 Chainz, Kurtis Blow, Kid Capri, Havoc, Yolanda ‘Yo-Yo’ Whitaker, DJ Cassidy, Kool DJ Red Alert, Slick Rick, Fat Joe, Sal Abbatiello, Adam & Mindy Silverstein, The Hon. Carl Heastie, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Golnar Khosrowshahi, Elizabeth Vélez, Smack White, Eric Beasley, Pretty Lou, Wé Ani, Sainted, Peter Gunz, Rayyy Rayyy, Da Youngstas, Iman Nunez, Rsonist, Paradise Gray (Co-Curator, The Hip-Hop Museum), Prime Minister Pete Nice (Co-Curator, The Hip-Hop Museum), Ruben Diaz Jr. (Chairman of the Board), La Reezy, Susan Taylor, Kim Osorio, Mike McArthur, Yale ‘Henny the Barber’ Hansen, and Rocky Bucano himself—alongside a vibrant mix of artists, executives, and cultural influencers.

Also in attendance was Locksmith, a lyricist closely connected with Fat Joe, whose craft embodies the lyrical integrity of hip-hop’s golden era. Rising artist Rome Streetz, of Griselda Records and newly signed to Mass Appeal, expressed his admiration for icons like MF DOOM, Nas, and Wu-Tang Clan, reflecting the night’s intergenerational spirit. Journalist Swaggy Sie—known as The Voice of Now—and TT Torrez of Hot 97, who co-hosted portions of the evening, added contemporary voices and journalistic flair to the celebration.

Sponsors & Support: Investing in the Future

Sponsors for the 2025 gala included Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Proskauer Rose LLP, Reservoir Media, and MediaCo’s Hot 97.

“Hot 97 was shaped by hip-hop and everything we do is rooted in that culture,” said Albert Rodriguez, President and CEO of MediaCo. “Supporting the Hip-Hop Museum and its Forever Home is our way of honoring the pioneers, celebrating the icons, and inspiring the next generation.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit the museum’s mission to construct Hip-Hop’s Forever Home—a permanent institution in the Bronx that merges traditional exhibits with immersive, interactive experiences. Visitors will explore rare artifacts, digital installations, and live performances designed to reflect the kinetic energy of hip-hop itself.

Looking Forward

The 2025 Benefit Gala at Cipriani Wall Street proved that hip-hop’s spirit of unity and innovation is as powerful as ever. With Nas’s monumental donation and the continued support of artists, executives, and fans, The Hip Hop Museum moves closer to opening its doors in 2026.

When it does, it will stand not just as a museum—but as a living monument to resilience, creativity, and cultural revolution.

As the lights dimmed at Cipriani, one message was clear: hip-hop is not just being remembered—it’s being immortalized.