STREET'S CONSCIOUSNESS

Hip-hop music is consistently portrayed in the media as a monolithic expression of urban moral and ethical decay that has seeped
past the city limits and threatens the very fiber of "American" youth. From the gansta genre popularized by West coast rappers to
the classic booty-shake tracks made famous by groups like Too Live Crew, the most recognizable face of hip-hop culture is weed
smoking, crack selling, gun toting, and baby making. Despite this public persona, are we to assume that hip-hop culture is without
any moral or spiritual foundation? The purpose of this course is to map out a tradition of a broadly-defined spirituality within
hip-hop culture. Over the course of the semester, students will read and hear material that outlines some of the cultural roots of
hip-hop's often virulent reaction to organized religion. At the same time, we will examine how certain faith traditions,
particularly the Nation of Gods and Earths (Five Percenters) and Christianity, have utilized the art form to propagate their message
to the masses of urban youth. Finally, we will explore the various ways some hip-hop artists represent a prophetic tradition rooted
in an electric spirituality that seeks wisdom from various faith traditions.
www.indiana.edu
Z.A-
On thursday we close the week, with a growing outcry of the soul in hip-hop culture; spirituality. Despite the ills of urban environments, the class system, political matters in relation to streets, middle to poor class experience a "revival" so to speak. Brothers and sisters conscious of the ills of the environments as well as see and visualize the positive, and communicate the spiritual consciousness, the very faith we keep. Coney island's franchise liaison, who communicates the corridors, and pitfalls of the "hoods" gangsta nostalgic, takes time to elaborate his views on "its not okay". Next up is washington DC's oddisee, who brings a conscious view to relevant and personal situations. FRANCHISE LIAISON
ODDISEE


THEE URBANPRIESTHOOD GROUP