The Innovative Practices of Hip-Hop Music

As the sun rises on the 21st century, American music educators are still scrambling to understand the implications of the musical praxis of the 20th century. Artist like; Drake, Childish Gambino, Jay-Z, Kanye, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and many more still seem to remain outside of the purview of the educational establishment. Seemingly, music education, as an institution, continues to be behind the times in-terms of valuing home grown folk music, in real time. Hip-Hop is the fastest growing genre of music in 2018, and on top of that is the most listened too music in the world. Hip-hop, is American music, deeply rooted in the experience of the underprivileged and marginalized. In this session we will explore Hip-hop as a method, an idea, and a product. These are the main areas explored in this talk-workshop, and we will discuss, dialogue and debate the innovative practices found in the hip-hop movement and music, as well as engage in activities like; critical listening, collaging - looping, sampling, ostinati, and democratic practice (collaborate). Attendees will walk away with activities and concepts to infuse into their own instructional practices and curricular design. This talk should not, can not and will not adequately replace the research that should accompany detailed investigation into any new or foreign art form. Hip-hop is music, and we will explore it together.