We caught up with Cey Adams, founding creative director of Def Jam Recordings, in MoMA’s Looking at Music 3.0 exhibition gallery, and he talked to us about his work, the emergence of hip-hop, and his unwavering allegiance to the possibilities of culture.

Cey is a distinguished designer who has brought his unique vision and spirit to a broad range of mediums and messages. From film to painting, graphic and merchandise design, branding, and photography, this New York City native and former graffiti writer infuses every project he undertakes with style and intelligence. Along the way, he has worked with a wide variety of hip-hop and rap royalty, including the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J, Jay-Z, and Mary J. Blige.

Cey Adams. Poster for Looking at Music 3.0. 2011

Cey also designed a Looking at Music 3.0. poster, and he will be signing copies of this elegantly concise history of hip-hop and rap next Thursday, May 5, during a special MoMA Nights program featuring activities and music in conjunction with the exhibition. Don’t miss this great event!