Hip Hop

Librarians can also benefit from an understanding of how media and popular culture function to build it into library services and programs. Manga and rap music are two examples of teen popular culture that can be used as communication tools into a young adults worldview. Additionally, the ensuing conversation could be used to recommend texts and other sources that could help young adults better understand the world around them and teach literacy.

Hip hop, not to be confused with rap, has influenced young adults across culture, ethnicity, language, and nationality; it has influenced language, fashion, behavior, attitude, art, consumerism, theater, music, etc. Because of its cultural influence and popularity, hip hop and rap music provide excellent canvasses upon which to guide young adolescent's understanding of life and self-identity.

Rap is only one of the primary elements of Hip hop. KRS-ONE, rap legend and instrumental contributor of The Temple of Hip Hop, has said, "Rap is something you do! Hip Hop is something you live!" There are four basic elements of hip hop: the Dj (Deejay), the MC (emcee), b-boy/b-girl, and Graffiti Art. Additional elements include Knowledge, Culture, and Overstanding, Beatboxin, Street Language, Street Entreprenurialism, Street Fashion. Afrika Bambaattaa, considered the father of hip hop is quoted as saying, " Hip Hop Culture was created to be about peace, love, unity and having fun, in order to  help people to get away from negativity that was plaguing our streets."

Please add resources to this page that will help promote the culture of hip hop. Some examples could include spoken language resources, songs, artist, national events, etc.

Resources

Songs, Artists, CD's, etc.

Chuck D of Public Enemy has been quoted saying that rap is the "Black CNN". Two examples of songs that document news and history, specifically Hurricane Katrina.

Mos Def. Dollar Day . True Magic 2006.

Public Enemy featuring Paris. Hell No (We Ain't Alright) Paris Remix. Rebirth of a Nation 2006.

Events

Hip Hop Appreciation Week - 3rd week in May

November - Hip Hop History Month

February - Black History Month

Websites

Hip Hop Research Portal - http://www.hiphopportal.net/

Temple of Hip Hop - http://www.templeofhiphop.org/

Universal Zulu Nation - http://www.zulunation.com/

H2A - http://www.hiphopassociation.org/

Davey D’s Hip Hop Corner - http://www.daveyd.com/

Books, videos, articles, etc

Vladimir, Bogdanov et al.? (2003). All music guide to hip-hop: the definitive guide to rap & hip-hop. San Francisco:Backbeat Books.

Prince, Emmett G. (2006). Hip Hop Culture. Santa Barbara:ABC-CLIO.

Chang, Jeff (2005). Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation. Picador. 

Beat Street. DVD. MGM Home Entertainment (2003)

Breakin'. DVD. MGM Home Entertainment (1984)

Wild Style DVD. New York:Wild Style Productions. Rhino Home Video(distributor) (2002)

Jenkins, Sacha et al. (1999). Ego trip’s Book of rap lists. New York:St. Martin’s Griffin.

Wheeler, Elizabeth A. (1991). “Most of My Heroes Don’t Appear on No Stamps”: The Dialogics of Rap Music. Black Music Research Journal, Vol. 11, No. 2. (Autumn, 1991), pp. 193-216. Accessed 4/2007 from http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0276-3605%28199123%2911%3A2%3C193%3A%22OMHDA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-%23.

Powell, Catherine Tabb. (1991). Rap Music: An Education with a Beat from the Street. The Journal of Negro Education, Vol. 60, No. 3, Socialization Forces Affecting the Education of African American Youth in the 1990s. (Summer, 1991), pp. 245-259. Accessed 4/2007 from http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0022-2984%28199122%2960%3A3%3C245%3ARMAEWA%3E2.0.CO%3B2-G.

1. Goodson, F.T. & Norton-Meier, L. (2003). Motor oil, civil disobedience, and media literacy.

Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy,

47(3) 258-262.

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