New exhibit in Jersey City focuses on legends of hip-hop and their sneakers

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) — A new museum exhibition in New Jersey is all about what’s on your feet.

Sneakers designed by Run DMC, Dapper Dan and many more are on display. The curator, Sean Williams, said it’s all about 50 years of music, celebrities, and the sneakers that defined a generation.

Williams, 51, from Brooklyn said since he was 13 years old sneakers have been his passion and obsession. For almost four decades Williams has been an avid collector, educator, and mentor. It’s only fitting Williams is the curator and creator of the exhibit, called From the Feet Up: 50 Years of Beats and Sneaks.

This year is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The timing, Williams said, is perfect for this collaboration of the Mana Contemporary, a Jersey City art center, and Williams’ company called Obsessive Sneaker Disorder (OSD). Williams hopes it will inspire people to learn more about the sneakers on their feet. 

Williams is also one of the producers of a new documentary called “Laced Up,” and he has a sneaker talk show and podcast.

Councilman of Newark’s West Ward, Dupré “Doitall” Kelly from the legendary hip-hop group Lords of the Underground, has a pair of sneakers in the unique collection.

Williams said sneakers have been the center of the hip-hop world. Each pair of sneakers on display has a story. 

The exhibit runs until June 15.