Hip-Hop 101

by Ainé Ardron-Doley

As they did during the advent of rock 'n' roll so many years ago, older folks initially pegged hip-hop as a fad, a music geared toward the young and the dumb. More than 20 years later, the genre is alive, kicking and ruling the pop charts with a billion-dollar force. With the increasing visibility and popularity of the music and the culture, educational classes claiming to break the genre down into an area of study have sprung up around the world. From courses on college campuses to programs in middle and high schools, hip-hop has become far more then a genre; it's a very influential culture, even in the classroom. Students attending Hip-Hop 101 at Temple University will be schooled on the music's rich history while being treated to a guest speaker each week. Dealing with the music's journey from the depths of the underground to its shiny commercial lyricism, instructor Michael Coard refuses to shy away from tough topics, including the use of such controversial terms as "nigga" and "bitch." It's not all about the MC either: the DJ, b-boy, b-girl and graf writer will each hold a place in the discussion. From Baby Blak to Poor Righteous Teachers and Chuck D, Coard's class delves into all aspects of society, using hip-hop music as the foundation for higher learning. This week's featured artist, homegrown talent Chief Kamachi, will lord over the podium.

Hip-Hop 101, Thu., Mar. 11, 7-9 p.m., free, Temple University, Anderson Hall, 11th and Berks St., 215-204-3448, mc@bowserweaver.com.

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