On September 27th, 2024, HISAM hosted “Critical Minded: A Celebration of 20 Years of Hip Hop Scholarship in CUNY” at the CUNY Graduate Center- Elebash Recital Hall. The event showcased the diverse and impactful contributions of CUNY scholars to the field of Hip Hop Studies.
The day started with opening remarks by Dr. Agustina Checa, setting the stage for engaging presentations and performances. The first round of presentations featured Rômulo Moraes, MX Oops, Juliana Catinin, and Stephen Gomez-Peck.
Moraes explored the metaphorology of sampling in hip-hop, drawing on the works of Hans Blumenberg and Gaston Bachelard. Juliana Catinin analyzed the role of rappers as “organic intellectuals” in Rio de Janeiro, highlighting their contributions to social awareness and resistance.
MX Oops delved into the ecstatic aesthetics of DJing and dancing, exploring the manipulation of time and its impact on consciousness. Gomez-Peck offered a quantitative analysis of the recent rap beef between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, demonstrating how data can shed light on cultural and aesthetic values in hip-hop.
Following a refreshing break with food and drinks, the audience was treated to a captivating performance by beatboxer Paolo Lembo from Brooklyn College. Lembo’s innovative use of live looping and beatboxing techniques showcased the dynamic intersection of music and technology.
The second round of presentations featured Donna-Lee Granville and Noriko Manabe. Granville discussed hip-hop’s evolution from a grassroots movement to a multi-billion-dollar industry, examining the challenges and opportunities that come with commercialization. Manabe examined the rise of Awich, a female rapper from Okinawa, and her impact on the Japanese hip-hop scene and explored how Awich’s success challenges traditional norms and paves the way for other Japanese women in hip-hop, marking a new era for female representation in the genre.
Following a brief Q&A with the presenters, the audience was treated to a performance by the Afro Beats Dance Club at Lehman College, showcasing the vibrant energy and cultural richness of African popular music and dance, bridging the historical connection with hip hop’s roots and evolution.
The event concluded with a keynote address by Dr. Ellie M. Hisama and Dr. Evan Rapport, reflecting on the past, present, and future of Hip Hop Studies. Their insights highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and the continued relevance of hip-hop as a subject of scholarly inquiry.
Throughout the day, the event fostered a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives, demonstrating the vibrancy and significance of Hip Hop Studies within CUNY and beyond. It was a celebration of hip-hop’s enduring legacy and its profound impact on scholarship, culture, and society.
