Sending Hip-Hop Into Deep Space | Harry Allen | TEDxMIT

Key Concepts

• Golden Record (Voyager): The phonograph record included aboard both Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft, containing sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth.
• Hip Hop Culture: A cultural movement originating in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s, encompassing DJing, rapping, breakdancing, and graffiti art.
• Analog Sound Recording: The process of capturing sound waves as a continuous physical signal, as opposed to digital recording.
• Material Longevity: The ability of a recording medium to preserve information for an extended period, specifically aiming for a billion years in this project.
• Curatorial Democratization: The process of involving a broad audience (fans, experts, artists) in the selection and curation of content, rather than relying solely on traditional curatorial authority.

The Quest for a Hip Hop Space Record: A Detailed Overview

This discussion centers around Harry Allen, a writer with a 40-year background in journalism, particularly covering hip hop culture, and his current innovative project at MIT’s Mechanical Engineering (Meche) and AeroAstro departments. The project aims to create a durable, long-lasting recording of hip hop music intended for potential extraterrestrial discovery, inspired by the Voyager Golden Record.

Historical Context & The Voyager Precedent

The conversation begins by establishing the origins of hip hop, pinpointing Kool Herc’s innovations in 1973 as a foundational moment, while acknowledging the genre’s deeper roots. The Voyager Golden Record, launched in 1977, is presented as a key inspiration. This record, a copper-plated gold LP, contained a curated collection of sounds and music representing Earth. Notably, it included no hip hop, as the genre was still in its infancy at the time. Carl Sagan, John Lomberg, and Ann Druyan were identified as key curators of the original record.

Project Goals & Methodology

Allen clarifies that the current project isn’t simply replicating the Golden Record. Instead, the primary focus is on identifying a material capable of preserving analog sound for at least a billion years. This material research is being conducted at MIT, with support from Brian Wardle in the AeroAstro department (with a joint appointment in Meche). The project aims to launch a craft containing this recording into space, where it will remain relatively undisturbed.

A core principle of this endeavor is “curatorial democratization.” Allen intends to move beyond a single curator’s selection and involve the hip hop community in the process. He plans to establish a system where fans can submit votes for recordings, which will then be reviewed and refined by a panel of experts including archivists, musical experts, artists, journalists, and hip hop aficionados. The goal is to create a playlist of 50 to 100 recordings that represent the “essence of hip hop culture,” not necessarily solely based on commercial success.

Technical Considerations & Timeline

The project is focused on analog recording, recognizing the potential longevity of this format. The target launch date is 2029, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the release of “Rapper’s Delight,” widely considered the first hip hop record. The Voyager Golden Record’s cover is highlighted as a crucial element, functioning as a “legend” or map to instruct potential discoverers on how to play the record and understand its contents.

Public Engagement & Future Plans

Allen notes that conversations surrounding the project are gaining traction within the hip hop industry, with people frequently inquiring about its progress. He expresses enthusiasm for the idea of delivering a TedxMIT talk to broaden awareness. The interview concludes with plans to record a studio session, simulating a hip hop band’s recording process, to provide a preview of the project.

Notable Quotes

• Harry Allen: “We’re not doing a golden record. That was a certain form that that project took. But I'm here at MIT, first of all, to figure out what is a good material with which to record analog sound that will last at least a billion years.”
• Harry Allen: “The goal is to create a list of, I guess you might say, a playlist of 50 to 100 recordings…that represent the essence of hip hop culture.”

Logical Connections

The conversation flows logically from establishing Allen’s background and the historical context of the Voyager Golden Record to outlining the specific goals, methodology, and timeline of the current project. The emphasis on democratization and material longevity builds upon the limitations of the original Golden Record, demonstrating a thoughtful and innovative approach. The discussion of public engagement and future plans highlights the project’s potential for broader impact.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Harry Allen’s project represents a compelling intersection of music, science, and cultural preservation. By leveraging the legacy of the Voyager Golden Record and embracing a democratic curatorial process, he aims to create a lasting testament to hip hop culture for potential discovery by extraterrestrial civilizations. The focus on analog recording and material longevity underscores a commitment to long-term preservation, positioning this endeavor as a unique and ambitious undertaking.