Fall '17 - Unit IV: Hip-Hop's Bad Rap: Can it be reclaimed?

We finalized this unit by critically interrogating the current state of Hip-Hop.  Our authors all seemed to agree that Hip-Hop isn't dead, but needs redirection.  Many argue that while independent Hip-Hop exists, it isn't accessible to the masses.  So, let's finish this unit by reflecting on this, and sharing what resonated the most from all of the units.

Due: Fri., 12/1/17 by 9:00pm EST.

Fall '17 - Unit III Love, Sickness, Death & Real Life 'Sh*t'

 
As we conclude Unit III we must reflect on the various topics discussed such as, "keepin it real," bids, parenting, mental health, madness, and other 'stuff.'  I believe we have truly learned from each other.  Your presentations were very informative. This was obvious as questions were asked, and answered by you. I believe the question which stood out to me the most was: Do rappers evolve as Hip-Hop artists?  While I'm still contemplating this, I'd like you to identify which topic, either discussed during a lecture or presented by your peers resonated the most with you and why?  Further, think of a question which you could then pose about this topic and share it with us here on the blog. 

Due: Fri., 11/10/17 by the beginning of class.

Fall '17: Street Lit, Pimps, Hoes, Bitches and 'other' queer identities in Hip-Hop

 Rapsody interview with the Breakfast Club



 
We've been discussing queerness in HH for the last few weeks.  And, I'm enjoying learning from you.  Today, I suggested you take a look at the Rapsody Breakfast Club interview.  I'm including it here for your perusal (the link can be found above).  However, I'd like you to consider this.  Is Rapsody an indication that women can be "real" without being sexualized or queered in HH?  Will they ever be seen without the sexual or gender normative behavior?  Can they just be an emcee instead of a femmecee?

Due: by 10/11/17 by the beginning of class.

Fall '17 - Unit I: Origins and Traditions

Chants, Rap-talkin', taggin', dancin', b-boyin', dozens, and more make up the origins and traditions of Hip-Hop.  All of these involve some type of performance with one or more of these concepts.  We began this unit with boastin' and are ending it with a visual representation of all of it in Beat Street along with the "Live Performances: Mediated Narrative reading."

Which stands out the most to you, and why?

Due: Fri., 9/8/17 by the beginning of class.

Blog IV - Unit IV - Summer '17

We finalized this unit by critically interrogating the current state of Hip-Hop.  Our authors all seemed to agree that Hip-Hop isn't dead, but needs redirection.  Many argue that while independent Hip-Hop exists, it isn't accessible to the masses.  So, let's finish this unit by reflecting on this, and sharing what resonated the most from all of the units.

Due: Fri., 6/23/17 by 11:59pm EST.

Unit III-Blog III.Summer 17

 

Over the past few weeks, we dialogued about old and current topics in HH. We've discussed provocative issues such as: depression, suicide and death.  We began with TuPac and are now unpacking place-based identities, such as the stereotypes perpetuating the dichotomy between the North and South in Hip-Hop.  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: Thurs., 6/15/17 by 11:59pm.

Unit II - Blog Post II.Summer 17

Hetero and homonormative are two tenets we interrogated during this unit.  We also examined queerness in HH. Several of you learned about black masculine's "unwritten" urinal rule as well as the dap or butt slapping as "queer."  We shared, debated, laughed, and disagreed.  This unit usually challenges you the most in thinking "differently."  As we finish, we discussed the ladies.  From Jean Grae and Lil Kim to Nicki Minaj as well as "pimps" like Snoop, Iceberg Slim, and Ice-T who appear somewhat "feminized" in their queer performativity as metrosexuals, yet whose undeniable patriarchal manipulation and domination of women remain problematic.  So, I ask - will Hip-Hop have a future without the continued hypersexualization of women?  Why or why not? (Please remember to follow the blog rubric found on the syllabus)

Due: Thurs., 6/15/17 by 11:59pm

Unit I - Blog I. Summer 2017

 
 


I'm always intrigued with the origins and contributions of our early HH artists.  And, we have discussed and viewed quite a bit.  While we may have been familiar with a few of these folks or concepts, some undoubtedly was lost. Nonetheless, we have quite a bit of richness. We can enjoy these contributions through various ways: listening, partying, and perhaps even being inspired to create our own "new" sounds.  So, I'd like to ask you to identify which origin fact, contribution or innovation resonated with you the most from this unit, and why?

Due: Wed., 5/31/17 by the beginning of class.

Unit IV - Hip-Hop's Bad Rap: Can it be (re)claimed?

Finally!!  We've arrived at our last unit.  It's been a rich and rewarding discourse for this class.  However, I always feel obligated to hope that what we've discussed will be continued after you leave the class.  This is why our last unit centers around a reflective topic - can HH's bad 'rap' be (re)claimed?  I chose 3 images deliberately.  For our last unit, I'd like to you reflect on each, and consider whether or not these artists have not only positioned themselves, but perhaps the entire industry to (re)claim the art, Hip-Hop.  Support your thinking by providing specific details.  Please remember to follow the blog rubric on the syllabus.  This is due Mon., 5/1/17 by the beginning of class.