HIP HOP SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOM

      Education is used to enlighten the mind and to inform individuals about a variety of subjects that they might not be familiar with or have limited information on. With knowledge comes understanding, which allows us to make decisions and distinctions between what is right and what is wrong in this world, as well as about the views of society.

      Another misconception is that negativity, misogyny and violence are what shapes and molds Hip Hop into what it is. Negativity, misogyny and violence was not created by Hip Hop, and these sentiments existed well before the culture and the music of the culture came to fruition. It is involved in the television shows we watch, the movies we see, and is evident in many genres of music and cultures other than Rap and Hip Hop.

      If these, as well as other misconceptions were shown to the general public for what they are, the truth would come out, and the masses could then truly appreciate Hip Hop for what it is.

      Hip Hop has transcended society’s views about Pop culture, has influenced many artists in other genres of music to adapt to the sounds and rhythms that Hip Hop has created, and has set numerous trends, from the music that we listen to, to today’s fashion and the slang used in daily speech.

      Rock and Roll groups, such as Incubus, have deejay’s which cut, scratch and blend records, which is synonymous with Hip Hop. Pop artists, such as Christina Aguilera, work with Hip Hop artists and producers to provide new sounds and be attractive to different fan bases. Aguilera recently collaborated with DJ Premier, a legendary producer who has crafted classic songs for rappers like Jay-Z, Nas, Rakim, and who produced the lead single off her latest album, “Ain’t No Other Man.”

       The only way for these misconceptions about Hip Hop to be cleared up, for the influences on society to be shown, and for the accomplishments of many artists to be celebrated, is through the spread of education in the classroom.

       Many colleges offer courses on the History of Rock and Roll, including SCCC. The impact of the musical art form, the events that surround the music, the cultures and sub-cultures that have emerged from Rock and Roll, as well as a variety of accomplishments that artists have made are taught to the student body and are viewed as important parts of our history. So why is this not the same for Hip Hop?

       Recently, in an issue of XXL magazine, a story was featured on North Carolina Central University and their “Hip Hop in Context” course, which is a three-credit course offered as part of their Music Industry program, instructed by “Play” from Kid ‘N Play fame, and producer 9th Wonder, who is a member of the group Little Brother and who has produced songs for artists like Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child and Mary J. Blige.

       Other colleges, such as Harvard University, Northeastern University and the University of California-Berkeley have recognized the accomplishments, wisdom, and the importance of the legendary Tupac Shakur, an icon within the Hip Hop community. This, as well as the impact his music and poetry have had on mainstream America, have been incorporated this into their curriculum.

       Although colleges and universities are recognizing the power and impact of Hip Hop, it is very limited. Hip Hop should be widely recognized on a national and worldwide level in higher educational facilities. It is time for the people in charge of what curriculum is taught at colleges everywhere to respect the Hip Hop culture, recognize its accomplishments, and teach it in the classroom.

Written by Peter Verry