Rap and Hip-Hop Panel - Kim Hanlon
My question for the discussion panel talked about the idea of hip-hop being taught in colleges and University’s across the nation. I asked the panel what they thought of ‘hip-hop experts’ teaching college students and how they could call themselves ‘experts’ since there is no such degree in hip-hop.
In defining hip-hop and rap the panel discussed hip-hop as being a culture and rap being a form of expression. They saw hip-hop being defined by four major areas of life/culture, lyricist (rap), breakdancing, turntable (DJ), and graffiti.
In discussing hip-hop in college both of the panelists enjoyed what they teach, here at the University, but they believe that there needs to be more talk about literature and ‘rap poets’. They would also like to find new ways to talk about hip-hop. They discussed combining practicing the art, theory and academia.
Credibility is also very important; the panel believes that whoever decides to teach hip-hop or the culture surrounding it. The panelists have extensive background in hip-hop, literature and rap.