Word Is Bond

Syreeta Gates is an art collector, an archivist, and the founder of The Gates Preserve, a multimedia company committed to archiving and preserving hip hop culture such that it lasts forever. She produces “Yo Stay Hungry,” a live culinary competition that bridges hip hop with food, and is co-owner of Most Incredible Studio, which celebrates the artists and moments that elevate and define hip-hop culture—through LEGO. She has produced several short films and a feature-length documentary, Shaping the Culture, which covers the history of hip-hop in print from copy machines to tweets. Gates has been featured in Forbes, Red Bulletin, Black Enterprise, and many other outlets. She holds a bachelor’s degree in urban youth culture from Hunter College and a master’s degree in archiving and preservation from New York University.