The Lead Between the Rhymes reception

During the last five decades, hip-hop music and culture has grown from its underground origins into an international force, including in Wisconsin. The history of Badger State artists receives some much deserved attention with “The Lead Between the Rhymes,” a new exhibition coordinated by Pyramidal Productions and the Wisconsin Historical Society. Madison artists will be feted with 3D art in the “Madtown Marauders” collection, joined by historical items and photos chronicling hip-hop’s growth in Wisconsin, oral histories, and interactive displays. An opening celebration takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. on May 30; the WHS’s History Maker Space is in the US Bank Plaza on the Capitol Square.

media release: Pyramidal Productions, in partnership with the Wisconsin Historical Society, presents  “The Lead Between the Rhymes” – Wisconsin Hip-Hop Cultural Exhibit on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m.  at US Bank Plaza, 1 S. Pinckney St., Madison. The pop-up exhibit runs through Friday, Sept. 19.

This new exhibit explores Wisconsin’s dynamic hip-hop culture, illustrated by stories, artifacts and displays.  Spanning over 50 years of music, dance, art, and activism, the exhibit puts a spotlight on Madison’s vibrant but often overlooked hip-hop legacy and its influence across the state.

Exhibit Highlights Include:

•Interactive Displays exploring the five foundational elements of hip-hop: DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti art and knowledge.

•A rare and curated collection of artifacts, memorabilia, and visuals chronicling the growth of Wisconsin’s hip-hop scene.

•Educational installations and recorded oral histories from pioneering local artists, promoters and cultural influencers.

•The unveiling of “Madtown Marauders”—a one-of-a-kind 3D lenticular art installation inspired by A Tribe Called Quest’s Midnight Marauders album cover, featuring iconic figures from Madison’s hip-hop community.

The exhibit on display at the History Maker’s Space (1st floor) in the US Bank Building can be viewed from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.  The pop-up exhibit runs May 30 through Friday, Sept. 19.