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The Art of Hip-Hop

Lesson 10: Is Hip-Hop Art?

Objectives:

  • To critically analyze society’s opinion of what is considered art, and how people’s attitudes toward considering Hip-Hop Culture as a form of art are affected by classism.

Materials:

  • Projector
  • Lap-top
  • Internet access

Procedure

Discussion & Definition:


Ask the group:

  1. What is art?

Definition

Art: Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities, creations, and modes of expression, including music and literature. The meaning of art is explored in a branch of philosophy known as Aesthetics.

- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikiquote:art

Discussion Questions: :

  1. What/who defines “Art”?
  2. Is Hip Hop an art?
  3. Does Contemporary society see Hip Hop as an art?
  4. How does your parents/teachers view Hip-Hop?

Video and Discussion

Compare and contrast differences and similarities between Hip-Hop and traditional art forms.

Graffiti vs. Classical Paintings:

Video 1: Sistine Chapel (celebrated artwork)

Play video (3:00 min).

Video 2: Style Wars Part 1 (play at 1:30)

Play video (9:49 min).

Rap vs. Shakespeare:

Video 3: Shakespeare - "To Be or Not To Be" (celebrated play)

Play video (3:17 min).

Video 4: Eminem - "Stan" (music video)

Play video (6:10 min).

B-Boying vs. Ballet:

Video 5: "Shades" (excerpt from ballet)

Play video (1:30 min).

Video 6: (HD!) Ichigeki (Japan) Showcase BOTY 2005 International (dance showcase)

Play video (7:33 min).

Video 7: Karajan - Beethoven Symphony No. 5 - Part 1 (classic music)

Play video (6:59 min).

DJ Qbert (music video)

Play video (4:08 min).

Discussion:

  1. Talk about the differences and similarities between the various videos shown.
  2. If necessary ask again “Is Hip-Hop an art?” add the question “Why?”

Question & Answer (Informal Evaluation)

Time for participants to ask questions, give comments and feedback about anything they found interesting from the workshop.

END OF PART 2

 



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