St. Louis Public Radio’s St. Louis on the Air recently featured the landmark exhibition, ‘To STL With Love’ – Celebrating Hip Hop Culture in St. Louis,” on the show with an interview with curator and St. Louis native Kris Blackmon. Produced by Blackmon in collaboration with KAF, this thorough, multidisciplinary exhibition documents, celebrates, and uplifts the artists, venues, media, and cultural moments that have shaped the St. Louis hip-hop scene over the past several decades. It runs through January 2026 at Sophie’s Artist Lounge.
“Hip-hop is more than music—it is a cultural force that has shaped generations through dance, fashion, art, and community activism. St. Louis has a rich and underrepresented history in hip-hop that extends beyond the mainstream success of national artists,” says Blackmon.
From underground collectives to the DJs, breakers, and media pioneers who sustained the culture, To STL With Love tells the full story of St. Louis’ contributions to this global movement. It features original visual work, photography, and historical memorabilia and artifacts from over 30 St. Louis-based artists and creatives, including Pacia Elaine, Brock Seals, Damon Davis, John Harrington and Trackstar the DJ. It is sure to stir nostalgia in anyone who grew up loving St. Louis hip hop.
