Rap pioneers in L.A. help launch hip hop museum

(FOX 11) - There's no question hip hop has made its mark in more than music. Now there are brick and mortar efforts to preserve a place in history.

Rap pioneers Kurtis Blow and Marq Hawkins(DJ Cli-n-tel) are among those helping launch the Universal Hip Hop museum.

Harlem artist Kurtis Blow was the first rapper to land a record deal. He now lives in L.A. and is chairman of the board for the Universal Hip Hop Museum.

Hawkins was the voice of West Coast early rap, The World Class Wreckin' Cru. Fellow artists Dr. Dre and DJ Yella were in the 1980's group before the two left for N.W.A.

Hawkins is working with the Boyle Heights Youth Technology Center to help create content and educational material.

The museum has a location in the Bronx, but won't open until at least 2022. It's relying on public funding, corporate sponsors and private donations.