To mark the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Wales is preparing to launch Hip Hop: A Welsh Story—a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the genre’s journey and its deep connections to Welsh culture. Opening at the National Museum Cardiff on 19 July 2025 through to February 2026, the exhibition explores how hip-hop has taken root and thrived in Wales.
Tracing the Roots and Rising Voices
The story begins with the trailblazing work of Llwybr Llaethog, a post-punk duo who were the first to release Welsh-language hip-hop tracks. From there, the exhibition moves through the 2000s, when groups like Goldie Lookin Chain brought a tongue-in-cheek rap style into the UK charts, securing hip-hop’s place in the Welsh music scene.
But the exhibition doesn’t stop with history. It also shines a spotlight on today’s rising stars. Featured artists include Juice Menace and Lemfreck—winner of the 2024 Welsh Music Prize—both of whom represent the bold and evolving future of Welsh hip-hop.
An Immersive Experience
Visitors will be able to do more than just look and listen. The exhibition incorporates interactive installations, multimedia storytelling, and hands-on workshops, creating an environment where audiences can feel the pulse of Welsh hip-hop. It’s an opportunity to see how the genre has not only shaped Welsh identity but also been shaped by it in return.
Plan Your Visit
- Dates: From 19 July 2025
- Venue: National Museum Cardiff
- Opening Hours: Check the museum’s official site for details on tickets and visiting times.
Hip Hop: A Welsh Story is both a tribute and an invitation: a chance to celebrate hip-hop’s global legacy through the unique lens of Wales. Whether you grew up with the beats or are discovering them for the first time, this exhibition offers a rare look at the voices, stories, and rhythms that continue to define Welsh hip-hop.
