National Museum Of Hip-Hop, <br> D.J. Kool Herc Need Your Bling

Hip-Hop Needs Helping Hands: 'Donate A Dollah' Or More

Hip-hop has often been lauded as street salvation by offering a creative outlet for dealing with violence and gang culture. Now, the music genre is asking for fans to give back.

Theboombox.com reports that the National Museum of Hip-Hop has launched a new initiative called Donate-A-Dollah, seeking funds to institute its flagship space in New York City. Founder Craig Wilson says hip-hop deserves to be honored.

"'[It] is long overdue for an institution to recognize and educate the public on the positive contributions' that hip-hop has made."

Hip-hop is an empire that arguably owes its roots of success to one now-graying pioneer -- D.J. Kool Herc, known as the "Father of Hip-Hop." He's also in a dire situation.

The New York Daily News reports that Herc has kidney stones and needs surgery. But he doesn't have health insurance to pay the $10,000 in hospital bills he's racked up.

Fans credit the turntablist with being widely influential by creating the breakbeat, the underpinning of hip-hop, in the early 1970s. Herc's never had any major hits of his own, though, and he's struggled with finances in the past.

Chuck Creekmur, CEO of AllHipHop.com, tweeted an address where fans can send donations.

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