"State of the Art: Hip-Hop Journalism"

by Elisa Ludwig

Once hip-hop reached the distinguished old age of 20, it officially became subject to academic study, cultural analysis and critical theory. These days, the number of proclamations that hip-hop is dead is countered by the number of experts that will hold a mirror under its nose and declare that, no, hip-hop is actually at a "crossroads." But for all the reflection about where the art form is going, where it's been and how it might evolve, little attention has been paid to the critics and writers who cover it. This week, the Art Sanctuary is zeroing in on these issues in a panel discussion about hip-hop journalism with experts Rah Digga and Selwyn Sefu Hinds, the former editor in chief of The Source. Other panelists include Rolling Stone contributing editor Touré, Rap Coalition founder Wendy Day, Philadelphia New Observer's James Spady and freelance writer Tonya Pendleton. Writers like these, who report from the Murder Inc. headquarters, chat backstage with 50 Cent's baby's mama and watch Ashanti mince around at a photo shoot, have the opportunity to both glorify and demystify their subject matter. But whether or not their work shapes our relationship with the culture or whether print media has any impact whatsoever on music audiences is up for debate. The discussion, which will be followed by a 10 p.m. performance by Digga, Medusa and Supernatural, is part of the Sanctuary's Reading in Concert series -- an ongoing educational program with matinees for school students.

"State of the Art: Hip-Hop Journalism," Wed., Nov. 12, 7 p.m. $10 (free for students age 17 and younger), Church of the Advocate, 1801 W. Diamond St., 215-232-4485.

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