The Ascension Years

Since its inception and over the span of its now 50 years, hip hop in all its forms has permeated every aspect of mainstream popular culture.

Rap music’s rise was keenly felt in its first ‘Golden Age’ of 80s innovators. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Run DMC, BDP, Big Daddy Kane, and Roxanne Shante would set the lyrical benchmark for the next generation of emcees to follow.

By the turn of the decade, a new stream of artists would fully embrace and expand on that legacy, in a second golden age. The likes of Wu-Tang Clan, The Notorious B.I.G, Nas and Outkast, would continue to elevate and propel hip hop’s reach far beyond its park jam origins, into the billion-dollar industry of today.

One lover of the culture would pick up a camera in order to document many of the 90s now iconic figures. Alder White, known to most as Tee Max, accumulated a rare photographic archive of many of the decade's mic officiators - the aforementioned Biggie Smalls, Nas and Outkast, as well as Mary J. Blige and Beyonce, all in their early formative years.

'The Ascension Years' is set to be a transformative experience for visitors as they delve into the vibrant world of hip-hop and R&B during its pivotal period. Tee Max, known for his keen eye and ability to capture intimate moments, has curated an extraordinary collection that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of these legendary artists during their early careers. 

Throughout the exhibition, attendees will be transported back in time, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of an era that shaped the course of popular music. Tee Max's photographs serve as visual time capsules, preserving the essence and energy of the artists.