A Theory of Hip Hop

Karl Kahambwe
Directed by Dr. Jeffrey Meiser

A Theory of Hip Hop is a research project that seeks to relate antiracism and hip-hop culture. Our thesis is that hip-hop can be used as a language of antiracism and that it can also complement certain aspects of antiracist practices to make the movement more legible to the public. The key aspect of antiracism we studied was its notion of racial equality. To be antiracist, one must accept African American culture as morally equivalent to white American culture. This is where our analysis of hip-hop culture intersects. After examining the foundations of hip-hop culture and music, we found that hip-hop is not just an art form but an assertion of the importance of black America. Several recurring themes in the genre illustrate the experiences of African American artists and why they should matter to any person who wishes to become an antiracist. These elements are the crux of our research, as they relate hip-hop to antiracism in a straightforward and accessible way. We produced a podcast episode to help guide listeners through some of our findings; our hope is that casual listeners and academics alike will begin to understand the true importance of hip-hop culture and use those conclusions in conversations about race and justice in the United States.

Listen to our episode, "Rhythm, Flow, and Melanin" here.