Nearly three decades after its release, Belly continues to influence hip-hop culture, fashion and filmmaking. To celebrate the cult classic’s 28th anniversary, actress Taral Hicks returned to the spotlight for a special exhibition at Howard University, reflecting on her unforgettable role as Keisha and the film’s lasting impact.
Held November 6–7 during the HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival in Washington, D.C., the event marked the debut of FRAMEWRK, a new cultural exhibition series from Kasim Peterson’s CUL TRHAUS.
The inaugural exhibition, Vol. 001: BELLY, welcomed more than 200 guests for an immersive experience honoring the groundbreaking 1998 film directed by Hype Williams and starring DMX, Nas and Hicks.
Taral Hicks Reflects on Playing Keisha:
One of the weekend’s highlights was a special conversation with Taral Hicks, who opened up about creating her character, Keisha, and how her upbringing in the Bronx helped shape the role.
When asked whether she ever imagined the character would become such a recognizable figure in hip-hop culture, Hicks shared a powerful reflection on representation.
“I did not know, but what I did know was that I wanted to represent women of color, our tone, my skin tone very well, and let them know that I’m here so you could be here too,” Hicks said.
Her remarks highlighted the importance of representation and the lasting connection audiences have developed with the characters of Belly over the past 28 years.
Honoring DMX Through Music and Spirituality:
The exhibition also paid tribute to the late hip-hop legend DMX, whose performance as Tommy “Buns” Bundy remains one of the film’s most memorable elements.
With support from Universal Music Enterprises, FRAMEWRK featured a special listening station showcasing DMX’s prayer vocals, offering attendees an opportunity to experience the rapper’s spiritual side.
Guests were also able to preorder The Gospel According to DMX, an estate-authorized collection of his prayers and spiritual writings, scheduled for release on November 17.
The tribute recognized not only DMX’s influence on hip-hop and film but also the faith and vulnerability that became central to his legacy.
Celebrating the Fashion and Visual Legacy of ‘Belly’:
Beyond its performances and soundtrack, Belly is widely remembered for its distinctive cinematography, deep blue lighting and influential late-1990s New York fashion.
FRAMEWRK brought those elements back to life through contemporary artwork, photography, sculpture, sound and installations inspired by the film.
Fashion brands Timberland and Evisu partnered with the exhibition, with displays featuring Evisu clothing reflecting DMX’s iconic looks alongside Timberland boots.
The exhibition also provided a platform for contemporary artists to reinterpret the movie’s influence through their own creative perspectives. Four original works sold during the weekend, generating more than $2,000 for participating artists.
Preserving Hip-Hop Culture for Future Generations:
Co-curated by Kasim Peterson and Erika Torres, founder and president of 85th & Park Inc., FRAMEWRK aims to celebrate cultural moments that continue to influence generations.
“Belly gave a generation a visual language before most of us had words for it,” Torres said. “Watching people step inside that world at Howard showed us exactly why FRAMEWRK needs to exist.”