The mission and history of UMass Boston guide the collection policies of the Archives, with the university’s urban mission and strong support of community service reflected in the records of and related to urban planning, social welfare, social action, alternative movements, community organizations, war and social consequence, and local history related to neighboring communities.

In 2016, the Archives launched the Massachusetts Hip-Hop Archive following a donation of recordings of the Lecco’s Lemma radio program, a local rap music show that was founded by Magnus Johnstone and ran from 1985 to 1988 on college radio stations WMBR (88.1 FM) and WZBC (90.3 FM). The Lecco's Lemma collection contains nearly 300 demos by local artists that were given to Magnus, as well as nearly 200 recordings of the show made by Willie "Loco" Alexander.

The Archives accepts donations of original and unique archival materials from musicians, DJs, breakdancers, graffiti artists, producers, promoters, and fans that document the rich heritage and legacy of hip-hop culture in Boston and Massachusetts.

For more information, visit https://umb.libguides.com/hip-hop