Hip-Hop for the Community | Something to Say (11-12-2024)
In a recent episode of the “Something to Say” podcast, host Mazi Mutafa facilitated a thought-provoking discussion with Colombian-born artist Maspaz and Tim Jones, co-founder of HipHopEd and organizer of the Hip-Hop Studies Conference at Howard University. The conversation delved into the transformative power of hip-hop culture, exploring its role in identity formation, community building, education, and its broader societal impact.
In a recent episode of the Something to Say podcast, host Mazi Mutafa facilitated a thought-provoking discussion with Colombian-born artist Maspaz and Tim Jones, co-founder of Hip Hop Ed and organizer of the Hip Hop Studies conference at Howard University. The conversation delved into the transformative power of hip-hop culture, exploring its role in identity formation, community building, education, and its broader societal impact.
The speakers underscored that hip-hop is more than music; it’s a cultural movement rooted in community and self-expression. Maspaz shared how his journey as an artist is deeply tied to his Colombian heritage and his commitment to uplifting others through art. "Art has been a way for me to reconnect with my roots," he remarked. Tim Jones emphasized the importance of documenting and preserving hip-hop's community-oriented ethos, stating, "There has to be this community element and aspect to it."
The conversation highlighted the critical need to recognize hip-hop’s origins and its pioneers while embracing its evolution. Jones cautioned against isolating hip-hop within academic institutions without community involvement, saying,
"If hip hop was deemed not to be an effective education tool, would you still care about the culture?"
Mazi Mutafa added that dialogues between lived and researched experiences are crucial for a holistic understanding of hip-hop's cultural significance.
Education was a central theme, with speakers exploring the integration of hip-hop into curricula to engage students and celebrate cultural heritage. Howard University’s upcoming Hip-Hop Studies conference, organized by Jones, will launch a minor in hip-hop studies—a milestone for academic recognition of the genre. Jones shared,
"This hip-hop minor cannot forget the students and the community because the students are a part of that community."
The episode revealed that hip-hop transcends commercial entertainment, serving as a medium for identity exploration, creativity, and social cohesion. It holds immense potential to enrich education, inspire youth, and preserve cultural narratives. Mutafa aptly concluded, "If hip hop is gonna be a culture that's about your life, then it's gotta be about your whole life."
Through discussions like this, Something to Say continues to amplify voices that honor hip-hop’s legacy while paving the way for its future. Tune in to hear these vital conversations on the intersection of art, culture, and education.
Something to Say is recorded live on Washington, DC’s Radio Station WPFW 89.3 and is produced by Words Beats & Life Inc.
