Essay #1: Biography of a Hip-Hop Pioneer

A hip-hop pioneer is a person who was influential in the early development of hip-hop either as a DJ, MC, break dancer, or graffiti artist. Select one person whom is considered a hip-hop pioneer to further research their life history. Write a brief synopsis of how this person was influential in the development of hip-hop. Include relevant information such as family background, race, ethnicity, language, citizenship, class, and gender. Discuss what events or moments in this biography led to influential markers in hip-hop history. Consider in this summary, how individuals, as agents, directly influenced hip-hop as a social movement.

Your argument in this paper is to demonstrate how the individual you selected was influential in the development of hip-hop.

The best papers from the class are posted. Considering the short history of hip-hop scholarship, these papers are pioneering work, perhaps some of the best scholarly pieces you'll find on the internet. All postings have author permission for publication. Duplication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Anth of Hip-Hop in a Global Perspective, Fall 2006, UMN

Anth of Hip-Hop in a Global Perspective, Spring 2008, UMN

Anth of Hip-Hop in a Global Perspective, Spring 2008, Hamline University

Essay #2: The New Revolution of Rap and the Law

Select one of the two topics below for your essay #2 paper topic.

1. Prior restraint refers to a government’s actions that prevent materials from being published or create restrictions to their publication. Select Luke Records v. Navarro 1992, Davidson, Bill V. Time Warner, Inc/Tupac Shakur 1992, or another contemporary case of your choice in which hip-hop artists have been sued, censored or silenced for an issue relating to their performance or lyrical content. Analyze your case with respect to the first amendment right to free speech and the issue of prior restraint.

2. Select either “Who Protects Us From You” by KRS-One and “Illegal Search” by LL Cool J,“ or “F**k the Police” by NWA and “Cop Killer” by Ice T for analysis. Using applicable course readings describe and explain the relationship between rap lyrics and the police. What are the messages between hip-hop and legal authority? Who does the police represent in these songs? Include in your discussion issues of racial politics, censorship, and/or police brutality.

The best papers from the class are posted. Considering the short history of hip-hop scholarship, these papers are pioneering work, perhaps some of the best scholarly pieces you'll find on the internet. All postings have author permission for publication. Duplication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Anth of Hip-Hop in a Global Perspective, Fall 2006, UMN