The History of Rap

The History of Rap

Art as Resistance: Exploring Racism and Classism through Music and Visual Media"

Objective

• Analyze the use of literary techniques in hip-hop lyrics to convey complex themes.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of rap music as a form of social and political commentary.

• Interpret the visual and cinematic elements of the album's music videos to enhance understanding of the themes.

• Reflect on the continuing relevance of the album's messages in contemporary society.

• Develop critical perspectives on how art and literature can challenge dominant narratives and advocate for marginalized communities.

Multiple Select

How often do you listen to rap?

• Daily

• A few times a week

• Every once in a while

• Rarely

• Never

Multiple Select

What draws you to rap music

• Beats and rhythms

• Lyrics and storytelling

• Social and political messages

• The culture and lifestyle

• Other

Open Ended

Who are your favorite rap artists?

Multiple Select

Do you prefer older rap music or newer rap?

• Older

• Newer

• Both

Multiple Select

How familiar are you with the origins of rap music?

• Very familiar

• Somewhat familiar

• Not very familiar

• Not familiar at all

Multiple Select

Which of the following rap pioneers are you familiar with? (Check all that apply)

• N.W.A.

• Run-D.M.C.

• Sugar Hill Gang

• Public Enemy

• None of the above

Multiple Select

Check the names below that you have heard of:

• Gil Scott Heron

• The Last Poets

• Watts Poets

• I've never heard of any of them

The Last Poets, formed in 1968 in Harlem, were pioneers of spoken word and key influences on rap. Rising amid the civil rights and Black Power movements, they used rhythmic, politically charged poetry to confront racism and social injustice. Their powerful performances and raw lyrics captured the spirit of the era and paved the way for socially conscious hip-hop.

Before there was rap...

The Watts Prophets, emerging from Los Angeles’s Watts neighborhood in the late 1960s after the 1965 riots, were pioneers of spoken word and precursors to rap. Their politically charged poetry captured the anger and hopes of Black Americans, addressing racism, poverty, and injustice. Blending jazz and funk with their verse, they reflected the spirit of the Black Power movement and laid the groundwork for rap’s socially conscious messages.

Before there was rap...

Gil Scott-Heron, known as the “Godfather of Rap,” was a 1970s musician and poet who helped shape modern hip-hop. Blending jazz, blues, and spoken word, he tackled issues like racism, inequality, and corruption. His iconic piece “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” became an anthem for social change, criticizing media influence and urging direct action. Scott-Heron’s powerful voice and lyrical insight made him a lasting force in socially conscious music.

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Before there was rap..

Before there was rap...

Look at each of the lyrics of the poems we just listened to.
On the following slides, write one or two lyrics that resonated with you.
Don't feel you have to understand every part of the song because a lot of it requires historical knowledge of the time period.
Write the line and explain why it resonated with you.

Open Ended

Line from When the Revolution comes and explanation of why you chose it

Open Ended

Line from The Revolution Will Not Be Televised and explanation of why you chose it

Open Ended

Line from What is a Man and explanation of why you chose it

For next class, find a modern rap lyric that embodies the cause of social justice.