[Afrika Islam]

From the personal collection of Afrika Islam

3 OF AFRIKA ISLAM'S CUSTOM RHYME SYNDICATE JACKETS, STAGE-WORN BETWEEN 1987-1992.

Afrika Islam is one of the pioneers of Hip Hop, beginning his career in 1977 when he was just ten years old. He started by learning to remix tracks under the tutelage of Afrika Bambaataa before going on to become a legendary DJ, hosting one of the first-ever Hip Hop radio shows, being a key member of the Rock Steady Crew, and forging a long-standing collaborative relationship with Ice T.

Originally conceived in 1987 by Ice T & Afrika Islam, the Rhyme Syndicate was a collective of emcees and producers performing under and associated with Rhyme $yndicate Records. The Hip Hop producers, DJs, and lyricists set out to unite West and East Coast rap, starting with the 1988 compilation album, Rhyme Syndicate Comin' Through.

Zulu Nation is an international Hip Hop awareness group dedicated to “peace, love, unity, and having fun.” Starting in the late '70s in New York City, the Zulu Nation would convene youth events that combined all the various elements that now fall under the cultural umbrella of Hip Hop.

The imagery, iconography, and fashion of the Zulu Nation has evolved over time, but has always referenced to the group's ideals of bringing together all races, religions, and nationalities.