The Hip Hop Museum Honors Icons at Annual Benefit Gala “Building Hip Hop’s Forever Home”

Star-studded evening to celebrate trailblazers shaping Hip Hop’s past, present, and future — with HOT 97 as official media partner.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Hip Hop Museum (THHM) will host its highly anticipated Black Tie Annual Benefit Gala, “Building Hip Hop’s Forever Home,” on Wednesday, October 15th at Cipriani Wall Street. The landmark evening will pay tribute to pioneers, innovators, and cultural leaders whose influence has defined Hip Hop and continues to shape its global legacy. The gala also builds momentum toward the grand opening of The Hip Hop Museum in Fall 2026.

This year’s honorees represent a powerful cross-section of artistry, activism, scholarship, and philanthropy:

• Andre Harrell — Founder of Uptown Records & former CEO of Motown Records, Legacy Award (Posthumous)
  
  
• Slick Rick — Hip Hop Legend & Storytelling Pioneer, Storytelling Vanguard Award
  
  
• Fat Joe — Icon & Entrepreneur, People’s Champ Vanguard Award
  
  
• Sal Abbatiello — Founder & CEO, Fever Enterprises, All the Way Up Award
  
  
• Adam & Mindy Silverstein — Philanthropists, One Love Philanthropy Award
  
  
• The Honorable Carl Heastie — Speaker, New York State Assembly, Changemaker Award
  
  
• Dr. Michael Eric Dyson — Author, Professor & Cultural Critic, Hip Hop Scholar Award
  
  
• Golnar Khosrowshahi — Founder & CEO, Reservoir, Blaze the Trail Award
  
  
• Elizabeth Velez — President, The Velez Organization, Foundation to the Roof Award
  

• La Reezy — Artist & Cultural Voice, Next Up Award

The evening will consist of a special performance by DJ Cassidy, surprise guest appearances and a tribute to Andre Harrell for his contribution to Hip Hop and R&B music.

“This gala not only celebrates the legends who built Hip Hop, but also the leaders carrying its spirit forward,” said Rocky Bucano, CEO of The Hip Hop Museum. ”If your business touches the culture, this is the moment to invest in the home that safeguards its history and powers its future.”

This year’s sponsors are Amazon, JP Morgan Chase, Proskauer Rose, LLP, Reservoir Media and MediaCo’s HOT 97 as the official media partner for this year’s gala.

“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. As the Museum’s official media partner, we’re proud to help amplify this history, because protecting Hip Hop’s legacy is how we secure its future.”

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Museum’s mission to build Hip Hop’s Forever Home—a 55,000 square-foot world-class cultural institution dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and inspiring the global Hip Hop culture.

To purchase tables and tickets click here or for inquiries, email [e-mail]

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Davis at [e-mail].

For media interested in covering the 2025 Hip Hop Museum Annual Benefit Gala please apply for media credentials here https://strategicheightsmedia.wufoo.com/forms/z8b2l4x19k5dar/

About The Hip Hop Museum

The Hip Hop Museum, opening in 2026 in the Bronx, New York will include a dynamic blend of traditional exhibits and immersive experiences, including rare artifacts, memorabilia, interactive stations, digital installations, and live performances. These elements will allow visitors of all ages to engage deeply with Hip Hop’s history and its ongoing global influence on modern life. The immersive environment will reflect Hip Hop’s kinetic energy, ensuring the experience feels as vibrant and dynamic as the culture itself. The opening of The Hip Hop Museum marks a historic occasion in the celebration and preservation of Hip Hop culture.

About MediaCo

MediaCo Holding Inc. (Nasdaq: MDIA) is a diverse-owned, multi-platform media company serving multicultural audiences across the U.S. Through its influential brands—including Hot 97, WBLS, EstrellaTV, Estrella News, Que Buena Los Angeles, and the Don Cheto Radio Network—MediaCo reaches over 20 million people monthly via television, radio, digital, and streaming platforms. Its content spans music, news, and entertainment across major local and national markets. Learn more at www.mediacoholding.com.