The Smithsonian National Museum Of African American History & Culture launched a new 30-day Kickstarter campaign around creating a definitive anthology of some or the most socially influential music of the last 40 years.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mcCK99wHrk0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Smithsonian Anthology Of Hip-Hop And Rap box set will include a 300-page booklet, complete with extensive liner notes, essays, and photos that "will illustrate different social and political trends within the genre, such as police brutality, feminism, and Afrocentrism." The touchstone of the collection will be a 9-CD set comprised of more than 120 tracks that exemplify the musical progression, sonic experimentation, and lyrical evolution of rap and hip-hop over the past 4 decades.

"[The Anthology] will also serve as an extension of the objects and stories of hip-hop already displayed in the galleries of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, offering perspective on the African American experience and its impact on American culture," according to the Smithsonian's Kickstarter project description.

Curatorial support for the endeavor comes by way of an advisory board comprised of artists — including Chuck D, MC Lyte, Questlove and 9th Wonder — industry veterans, authors, journalists, music critics, and university scholars. In addition, the advisory committee reached out to more than 50 artists, DJs, photographer, filmmakers, and members of the hip-hop community for input on the track list and final package for the anthology.

The Kickstarter campaign will run through Nov. 16. Pending a successful campaign, the Smithsonian Anthology … is expected to release in December 2018.

Queen Latifah Receives Icon Award At Revolt Music Conference