Exhibit Opening | Cleveland Public Library – Downtown Campus | 325 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland hip-hop has shaped sound, style, and story for two decades — and we're celebrating every beat of it. Join Cleveland Public Library in partnership with Capital Structure Entertainment for a community celebration with local DJs and special guests and the opening of the 20 Years of Cleveland Hip Hop & Music exhibit curated by Quincy "Big Heff" Taylor. Stay tuned for the full lineup!

About the Curator

For more than two decades, Quincy "Big Heff" Taylor has been one of Cleveland's most impactful music executives, cultural advocates, and community builders. As a co-founder of the Ohio Hip Hop Awards & Music Conference, he created a platform that has recognized and elevated hundreds of artists, DJs, producers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals throughout Ohio and the Midwest. His career includes leadership and talent development roles with Def Jam Recordings, 300 Entertainment, and Epic Records, where he connected emerging artists with national opportunities. He later launched Capital Structure Entertainment, an independent company focused on artist development, publishing, management, media, and cultural programming.

Throughout his career, Big Heff has worked with and supported artists including Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Tee Grizzley, YK Osiris, and SleazyWorld Go, as well as Ohio-based artists such as Ray Jr, Preme Dibiasi, and many others. His efforts have helped position Cleveland as a recognized hub for artist discovery, music business education, and cultural innovation — creating pathways for local talent to access national opportunities.

About the Exhibit

The exhibition will feature six curated sections: The Mixtape Era, Pioneers in Music, Ladies of Hip Hop, Events That Impacted the Culture, The New Generation, and Sounds of the Culture. Together, these displays tell the story of Cleveland's evolution as a music city, recognizing the artists, venues, media outlets, promoters, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who shaped its growth. The exhibit opening will also be accompanied by panel discussions exploring youth engagement, artist empowerment, legal and financial literacy, and the milestones that have defined Cleveland hip hop over the last twenty years.

Among the Cleveland entrepreneurs and community leaders connected to this broader ecosystem is Manny Larcher, founder of YourInfoDaily.com, a media platform that has helped spotlight music, culture, business, and emerging talent. Larcher also spent three years in venture capital, bringing an investment and entrepreneurship perspective to the intersection of culture, business, and opportunity.

By partnering with Quincy "Big Heff" Taylor, One Cleveland and the Cleveland Public Library reaffirm their commitment to preserving local history and ensuring future generations understand the cultural significance of Cleveland's music community. More than an exhibit, 20 Years of Cleveland Hip Hop & Music is a celebration of creativity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and community — a tribute to the people who built the culture and a blueprint for those who will carry it forward.

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