• Blogs

  • Lab Stories
  • Mary's Blog
  • Mentor Blog
  • Youth Blog

• Find It

  • About The Lab
  • Schools We Serve
  • LAB Staff
  • LAB Interns
  • LAB Volunteers
  • Volunteer at The Lab
  • Our Space
  • Support The Lab
  • Contact Us
  • Links
• Home
  

• Modalities

  • The Leadership Lab
  • The Poetry Lab
  • The Tech Lab
  • The Visual Lab
  • The Wellness Lab

Some Thoughts on the Recognized Literary Merit of Rap

(posted by HECUA Intern, Becca)

In a few short months, I will receive an undergraduate degree in English Literature. My diploma will be a testament on paper of the past five years of my life dedicated to the study and analysis of great literary works by the likes of Dickinson, Hemingway, Shakespeare, Faulkner, Shakur, Fiasco, and Wayne…

Wondering what epic, canonical works of literature were produced by the last three writers I listed above? All Eyez On Me, Food & Liquor, Tha Carter. Still confused? I’m talking about Tupac Shakur, Lupe Fiasco, and Lil’ Wayne, important figures in a growing movement of individuals and institutions that are finally recognizing the literary significance and poetic artistry found in rap music.

Those who are not listeners of rap music may be surprised by – or even balk at – this notion of rap as a scholarly and professional academic study. For people who are detached from youth and/or hip-hop culture, the word “rap” often conjures images of violent gang activity, glamorized drug trade, female objectification and excessively indulgent material wealth. These images are as ubiquitous as they are pervasive in everyday American society, found in every medium of media (television, radio, print ads, new sources, etc.) and popular among youth of all racial identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and geographical locations.

I am currently enrolled in just one of several classes offered at my university that focuses on rap music and/or hip-hop culture: “The Poetry of Rap”. We read the poetry of Langston Hughes, Lucille Clifton, Amiri Baraka, Claude McKay and then, with this foundation, examine the elements of poetry found in rap poems by Jay-Z, Public Enemy, Common, and Rakim. Other classes focus on the anthropology of rap, its musical properties, and even an upcoming English major senior seminar involving rap in community service-learning.

Of course, the academic community of hip-hop is just one facet of the huge social movement across the nation. The Twin Cities is fortunate to have an active and conscientious hip-hop community that uses its many resources for using rap as a tool for social change, education, youth empowerment, self-expression and community activism.

Peep the ever-growing UPCOMING EVENTS & WORKSHOPS link to stay updated on the crazy amount of hip-hop related events right here in Minneapolis/St. Paul! And let us know if you’re involved in an exciting event that can be posted here!

Comments