28 Aug 2025

‘To STL With Love’ – Celebrating Hip Hop Culture in St. Louis, Opening Reception, Thursday, September 4, 6-9 p.m. at Sophie’s Artist Lounge

To STL With Love is a landmark exhibition celebrating the deep roots and wide-ranging impact of hip-hop culture in St. Louis. Curated and produced by Kris Blackmon in collaboration with KAF, this multidisciplinary exhibition will document, celebrate, and uplift the artists, venues, media, and cultural moments that have shaped the St. Louis hip-hop scene over the past several decades.

“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 seeks to provide a platform that tells the full story of the city’s 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.

The opening reception will feature sounds by GOODBROTHERLYZM and G.Wiz, as well as special performances by KVtheWriter and Bates.

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