<p>2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, sparking international celebration among fans of the genre. Influential organizations have contributed to commemorating the New York City-born musical style, including Showtime&#8217;s <em>HIP HOP 50</em> series and NPR&#8217;s <em>50 Years of Hip Hop</em> podcast. Apple also joined in the festivities and commissioned Amika Cooper (known professionally as Black Power Barbie) to create animations for their digital storefront. The tech company displayed the completed project in their App Store during <a href="https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/635936-10-iconic-black-founded-hip-hop-labels" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Black History Month</a>.</p>



<p>Born in the Big Apple but raised in Toronto, Cooper currently resides in Brooklyn. In an interview with <em>Complex Canada</em>, the illustrator discussed how her connection to the city inspired her project for Apple. &#8220;When I’m working on my personal projects,&#8221; she explained, &#8220;during that process you start to think about the person, the world they live in, and I think that’s what helps you understand what they’re about.&#8221; The artist added, &#8220;that’s another part of my style that became important to me, trying to create a nostalgic feel so that when people see something, they can recognize the time and place surrounding that character.&#8221; </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-black-power-barbie-s-tribute-to-hip-hop-reflects-on-its-nyc-roots">Black Power Barbie&#8217;s Tribute To Hip Hop Reflects On Its NYC Roots</h2>



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<p>Cooper also describes her research process for the animation, including gaining knowledge about the history of the genre, and its widespread influences on the culture. &#8220;Just living in Brooklyn, I knew New York had to be a big part of it,&#8221; she explains. &#8220;I walk past history every day. Then you get the fashion, like wearing <a href="/tags/adidas" class="text-word" target="_blank" >Adidas</a> shell toes and bamboo earrings.&#8221; The artist notes how we often forget how the genre is rooted in the 70s, saying, &#8220;people forget that it didn’t really start with Biggie.&#8221;</p>



<p>Just last week, Cooper proudly took to Instagram to share her completed project, which commemorates many stages of the development of hip-hop. Playing alongside Black Star&#8217;s 1998 track &#8220;Definition,&#8221; the animation itself boasts vibrant colors and distinguishable characters. It swiftly roles through the genre&#8217;s vinyl past to digital present. Although Cooper notes the time-consuming hard work she contributed to the project, it&#8217;s evident that the final result is a thoughtful ode to the genre. For more news on hip-hop and pop culture, be sure to check out <em>HNHH</em>. </p>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.complex.com/music/black-power-barbie-interview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[Via]</a></strong></p>