Hip Hop museum causes division

The launch of the first ever Hip Hop museum in New York has been announced for late 2008 or early 2009.

However, local council members do not want gansta rap included in the exhibits.

After New York City Council allocated £800,000 towards building the museum, Bronx council members are arguing over what aspects of Hip Hop culture can be included.

“We’re not talking about gangsta rap,” said Bronx council member Larry Seabrook. “We’re talking about hip – hop,” he said.

It is thought that rappers such as 50 Cent, Lil’ Kim and The Game will not be included in the museum.

“Anybody can be a thug,” Seabrook continued.

However, senior music editor of rap magazine ’The Source’, Adam Matthews said: “You have to consider the statistics. As hip hop has become progressively violent, the streets have become safer.”

The BBC reports that Seabrook hopes that the museum will grown into a bigger hip – hop complex, featuring a studio and a theatre.