Unit IV - Redemption of the bad "rap/rep"

In 2006, Nas suggested Hip-Hop is dead. 
However, Lupe Fiasco countered a year later with "hip-hop saved my life."  Common aptly indicates, "In the hood, hip-hop is the father."  Clearly these artists have further complicated the role hip-hop has taken, and continues to provide.  Nonetheless, some believe hip-hop will never belong to the "people" because it has been "consumed" to the "point of no return."  Is this true?  Can hip-hop's rap/rep ever be redeemed again?  Or is it just the current direction of this complex musical genre?

Due: Fri., 11/18/16 by the beginning of class

Unit III - Real Life Sh*t

Over the past few weeks, we have had rich dialogue about old and current topics in HH. We've discussed mental health issues such as: depression, suicide and paranoia.  We began with TuPac and are now learning about Ruff Ryders, most notably DMX.  Death or near-death experiences have dominated HH for years too. So, I ask you to share what real life sh*t from HH resonates with you the most and why? Be sure to include an image, audio, song lyrics or video (if applicable) to help emphasize your selection.

Due: Fri., 11/4/16 by the beginning of class.

Unit II - Challenging paradigms of gender and sexuality through a queer lens

Queerness in Hip-Hop has been evident for years.  Some of it may have been a "sign of the times," but other images suggest tight fitting clothes, low-cut shirts, men wearing dresses or women wearing baggy clothes are simply fashion trends in Hip-Hop culture. Does one suggest gender/sexuality or perhaps something else? I think our discussions about "MOBs," male Christians, & non-heteronormative behaviors have challenged your ways of thinking about both sexuality as well as gender, especially in Hip-Hop music, artists, fashion & performances.  Please share something new you've walked away with from this Unit.  And, will HH be the same for you?   Due: Fri., 10/7/16 by the beginning of class.

Origins of this thing known as Hip-Hop

 


We've discussed A LOT, and we still didn't get to everything.  So, let's talk about what we haven't...the culture itself.  I asked you to read the "Mediated Narrative" piece by Dimitriadis.  I'd like to know your thoughts.  Based on this reading, how do you define Hip-Hop culture?  What does it look like?  What does it sound like?  And, what has it evolved into today?

Due: Fri., 9/9/16 by the beginning of class. (Don't forget the rubric.)

Summer I/Unit IV

We've reached the end of our class.  This is usually the time where I like to ask you to reflect on what you've learned.  What stood out to you the most and why?  Yesterday, many of you indicated that there is a future for Hip-Hop.  If you believe this, where do you anticipate its next impact?  And, we must remember that sometimes impact can be both positive and negative.  Thank you!  I look forward to your responses! Due by Wed., 6/22/16 by 9:30am EST.

Summer I/Unit III

In HH, death resonates loudly.  However, a way that artists have found to pay homage to their "dead homies," is through tribute songs.  I've included one famous video above to demonstrate how those in HH mourn.  Like many things, death in HH is complex.  Some treat it as a novelty while others embrace it as part of their lifestyle.  TuPac was one who never denied the death that surrounded him.  Even after his death, the artist, Scarface, pays tribute to him in the song, "Smile."  I've also included that video link below. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0Vk0EL-r8g


I'd like to know, are tribute songs an appropriate way to grieve, or has the industry found another way to capitalize on the death of others?

Summer I/Unit II - Queerness in HH

We've discussed quite a bit for this Unit about gendered identity traits as well as heteronormative characteristics.  Our juxtaposition of these within the realm of Hip-Hop (HH) could've continued for weeks.  Unfortunately, time was against that.  However, a comment came up that has intrigued me for awhile.  It is: HH influences so many things around it like, fashion, hair, jewelry, etc.  But I think it's important to also recognize how street culture/i.e. prison narratives have affected some aspects of "queerness" in HH.  For example: Dyson explained to us that saggy pants mimic prison culture, and he explains why - easy access.  I use the terminology street culture/prison narratives interchangeably because research indicates many who are incarcerated are from a poor working class background.  So, how has street culture/i.e. prison narratives have affected some aspects of "queerness" in HH?

Summer I/Unit I - Origins and Aesthetic Expression

So, what is Hip-Hop?  What are aesthetic components have you learned that are new to you?  Does it change what you feel about this genre? Please explain. (Please refer to the Blog rubric found on your syllabus).

 

Unit IV - The Authenticity Dialogue: Is Hip-Hop Dead?

In 2006, Nas suggested Hip-Hop is dead. 
However, Lupe Fiasco countered a year later with "hip-hop saved my life."  Common aptly indicates, "In the hood, hip-hop is the father."  Clearly these artists have further complicated the role hip-hop has taken, and continues to provide.  Nonetheless, some believe hip-hop will never belong to the "people" because it has been "consumed" to the "point of no return."  Is this true?  Can hip-hop ever be anything more than today's latest "trap?"

Unit III - Queering the Complexities of Hip-Hop Gender Identity

We've discussed  A LOT over these past few weeks.  From "Do tha Homie!" to "4-inch f**k me heels," we had some eye-opening dialogues.  In essence, we have "queered" certain dimensions of hip-hop by interrogating gender normative behaviors.
 The question I'd like to pose is why do you think a lack of boundaries or restrictions is so disturbing to some in hip-hop discourse?  Should women listen to music that refers to them not as women, but b**ches and hoes?  If they do, are they hypocrites?  And, I think another question to complicate the issue is why is this so troubling for the hip-hop genre, and not other musical genres like funk, blues, or hard rock?  I look forward to your responses!

Unit II - The Embodiment of Economics & Politics within Hip-Hop

It's hard to believe that we begin this unit with Tricia Rose's, "Just Keepin' It Real" and initiated conversations interrogating "real," "truth," and "authenticity." 

TuPac and Luther Campbell

Moreover, we've delved into various taboo and mind boggling topics that continue questioning this "truth."  Several of you indicated that you were aware of many negatives perceptions of hip-hop, namely "trap music," but hadn't considered some of the uglier areas discussed.  While most agreed that hip-hop evokes some troubling images, I imagine several of you didn't recognize the political implications of hip-hop then and now, especially Luke's influences.  We've gone from rhetoric to revolutionary rhetoric - "new" sounds that "ain't" hip-hop to more recently sexual proclivities.  Our presentations on Monday suggested even more critical interpretations of hip-hop.  So, I'd like you to answer this - if, according to TuPac, the next revolution must take place in the streets of black communities, what role to do you think hip-hop should play?

Spring 2016 - Origins and Expressions of Hip-Hop

Hip-Hop remains controversial.  Its emergence onto the music scene reminded me of reactions to gospel, the blues as well as jazz when they exploded into Western culture.  Ironically, each of these genres like Hip-Hop is grounded in the African oral tradition.  The drums, an essential instrument in African music resonate in each of these musical genres.  In Hip-Hop the drums, i.e. the "drum" or "sound" machine known as an 808 is a "must have" for most.

Further, the orality of storytelling
provides a detailed narrative of surrounding environments.  So, as we journey along with this montage of folks who have identified contributions as well as hear from some of the originators of hip-hop, I'd like to know - what have you learned that you didn't know?

(Please remember to follow the blog rubric found on your syllabus.)