Module 2: Hip Hop in Our Communities Project

Posted: August 25th, 2023

Module 2: Hip Hop in Our Communities Project

This project involves creating a piece of public history. By engaging with the local culture, we aim to document the vibrant expressions of Hip Hop in various communities. We will work together to compile examples of how Hip Hop is practiced in your community. This collaborative effort will help us understand the diverse ways in which Hip Hop influences and reflects community life. Each of you then will explore one facet of your community’s Hip Hop scene in a creative fashion. This exploration will allow you to delve deeper into the cultural significance and personal stories behind the music and art. As with Module 1, we will work together in this space. Our shared insights and experiences will enrich the learning environment for everyone involved. The Community project then will serve as a resource for your Written Assignment for Module 2. This resource will provide a foundation for analyzing and discussing the broader implications of Hip Hop culture.

Here’s what I would like you to do:

In Week 6:

Enter the name of your neighborhood/borough, city and state (and nation, if you reside outside the U.S.). This information will help contextualize your findings within a specific geographical and cultural setting. Place your neighborhood/borough, city and state in the title of your entry. This will make it easier for others to locate and engage with your work. Post a 75 -100 word description of your community and provide some examples of how Hip Hop is practiced in your locality. This description should capture the essence of your community’s unique relationship with Hip Hop. Try to include at least three examples. These examples will illustrate the multifaceted nature of Hip Hop culture in your area. Some possible examples might be: student or community groups; bars or nightclubs; radio stations; youth organizations; permission walls; beat making workshops; b-boy/b-girl practice sessions. These venues and activities highlight the diverse platforms through which Hip Hop thrives. Please write your description in your own words, and include a citation or web link for where you found your material. This ensures the authenticity and credibility of your contribution. (Do not cut and paste entries from other sources, though you may use these resources for finding your own material). Originality is key to maintaining the integrity of our collective project.

In Weeks 7 and 8, begin to explore one aspect of Hip Hop in your community in further detail. This deeper exploration will allow you to uncover the nuances and dynamics of the chosen activity.

Choose one or more Hip Hop activities that are being practiced in your community, and following the model of “Style Wars”, go out and learn more about them. Immersing yourself in these activities will provide firsthand insights and experiences. Please try to interview participants in the activity, and if possible, attend a show or activity. Engaging directly with practitioners will enrich your understanding and provide valuable perspectives. You may also shape your project around a Hip Hop activity that you yourself practice if you are involved in Hip Hop in that way. This personal connection can offer a unique and authentic viewpoint. Make sure to get good accurate information about the individuals associated with the activity. Accurate documentation is crucial for preserving the integrity of your findings. Document the activity with good detailed notes, images, and/or video. These materials will serve as a vivid record of your exploration and findings. If it is absolutely impossible for you to visit a live organization or event, you may go to a community-based Hip Hop web site instead. Online resources can also provide valuable information and connections. Add the further aspects of Hip Hop in your community by responding to your entry for Week 6. This ongoing dialogue will help build a comprehensive picture of Hip Hop’s impact. You are encouraged to respond to other’s threads as well. Engaging with your peers will foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Please let me know if you are having difficulty making contacts or visiting an event, as I might be able to suggest ways to guide you. I am here to support you in overcoming any challenges you may encounter.