Key Words: Blackness and Hip-hop

To date, we have discussed the four elements of Hip-hop, (MCing, DJing, Breaking and Graffiti) and their relationship to the music and culture. We have also began to trace Hip-hop's dominant links to African American culture. As you write about the key words BLACKNESS and HIP-HOP this week, think about the multiple ways that each if these elements are interpreted across categories of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, etc. Here are some prompts for you: Is Blackness only expressed by African Americans? Only in Hip-hop?