HIP HOP UTOPIA: CULTURE + COMMUNITY

Chilltown Collective curates music for Dineen Hull Gallery's month long Art Exhibition at Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Celebrating Hip Hop's Culture and Craft

Words by Justin Raro

Chilltown Collective have never been shy about citing hip-hop as one of the chief influences of our brand. The opportunity to commemorate the culture that raised us alongside an institution that, by namesake, serves the Hudson County Community makes for a truly cosmic collaboration. Chilltown is proud to announce our partnership with the Department of Cultural Affairs at Hudson County Community College (HCCC) in presenting the art exhibition, “Hip-Hop Utopia: Culture + Community” in the Benjamin J. Dineen III and Dennis C Hull Gallery.

Along with Chilltown Collective apparel being displayed in the show, we have been appointed to curate the music for a two-part listening session called “Turntable Tuesdays”. Chilltown collaborated with Inspired Artist Movement for the first installment of Turntable Tuesdays is takes place on February 7th from 6pm to 8pm, 3 nights before the 11th anniversary of the death of J Dilla. We have recruited fan favorites, DJ Prestige and Unkle Chip, to spin in honor of legendary Detroit producer. The final installment of Turntable Tuesdays (also serving as the exhibition’s Closing Reception) takes place on February 21st from 6pm to 8pm and features "Sway in the Morning"-alum Kevlove and legendary HOT97 DJ Cipha Sounds celebrating the birthday of Nina Simone, one of hip-hop’s most sampled patrons, by highlighting the love and positivity that exists in our community.

Contributions to the exhibition from artists and community partners include bicycle shop, Grove Street Bicycles; blog, STREETARTNYC; artist Karlos Cárcamo; artist, Yishai Minkin; photographer, Raphael Gonzalez; as well as HCCC alumni Freddy Samboy, Alex Melo, Eligio Rosa and Karon Clerk. Curated by Michelle Vitale and Fred Fleisher, “Hip-Hop Utopia: Culture+Community” may be viewed from Monday, January 23rd through Tuesday, February 21st in the College’s Benjamin J. Dineen, III & Dennis C. Hull Gallery, 71 Sip Avenue in Jersey City. The exhibit and all of the related events are open to the entire community and there is no charge for admission.

An exhibit opening reception is scheduled for Tuesday evening, January 31 st from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m featuring Jersey City native DJ Obvious. There will also be a panel discussion with exhibit artists and community members titled “Utopia or Bust,” on Wednesday, February 8 th from noon to 2 p.m.

Those who visit the exhibition may sign up for a chance to win a graffiiti’d, fat-tire bicycle donated by Grove Street Bicycles. Follow @dineenhullgallery for details.

Located on the top floor of the HCCC Library, the Benjamin J. Dineen, III & Dennis C. Hull Gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (The Gallery is closed on Sundays.)