Hip-Hop & Shakespeare? Akala at TEDxAldeburgh

Summary

In this engaging presentation, Akala from the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company challenges the audience's perceptions by blending quotes from hip hop and Shakespeare, demonstrating the striking similarities in language and rhythm. He explores the shared emphasis on rhythm, particularly iambic pentameter, and its universality in music. Akala further delves into the misconceptions about Shakespeare's language and the intellectual depth of hip hop, highlighting the importance of recognizing the custodians of knowledge across cultures and art forms.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company, represented by Akala, aims to bridge the gap between hip hop and Shakespeare, showing their shared philosophies and artistic expressions.
• 📜 Akala challenges the audience with a pop quiz to distinguish quotes from hip hop lyrics and Shakespeare's works, demonstrating the blurred lines between the two genres.
• 🤝 Akala emphasizes the shared element of rhythm in both hip hop and Shakespeare's iambic pentameter, illustrating how it can be adapted to different musical styles.
• 🎵 He performs Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 over different beats to show how the rhythm fits seamlessly, highlighting the universality of rhythm in art forms.
• ❤️ Akala points out that the rhythm of iambic pentameter mimics the heartbeat, making it an intrinsic part of life and thus relatable in various cultural expressions.
• 🧠 The script discusses misconceptions about Shakespeare's language and social status, clarifying that his works were not elitist and that he himself was not formally educated.
• 🌐 Akala explains the meaning of 'hip hop' and its roots in African oral tradition, emphasizing its role as an 'intelligent movement' and a knowledge-sharing culture.
• 🎓 The presentation addresses the importance of recognizing and challenging traditional perceptions of knowledge and education, advocating for a more inclusive view of who can be a 'custodian of knowledge'.
• 🌟 Akala shares personal anecdotes about the influence of hip hop, particularly the Wu-Tang Clan, on his life and how it encouraged him to value intellectual pursuits.
• 📝 The script includes a performance piece where Akala integrates Shakespeare's plays and quotes into a rap, showcasing the fusion of hip hop and Shakespearean language.
• 🚀 The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company's mission is to inspire people to embrace their potential as knowledge custodians, regardless of their background, and to promote unity in human culture.

Q & A

What is the main theme of Akala's presentation?

The main theme of Akala's presentation is the exploration of the parallels between hip hop and Shakespeare, challenging perceptions, and emphasizing the importance of rhythm, language, and the role of the artist as a custodian of knowledge.

What is the purpose of the pop quiz Akala initiates at the beginning of his talk?

The purpose of the pop quiz is to challenge the audience's preconceived notions about the distinctness of language used in hip hop and Shakespeare, showing that without context, it's difficult to differentiate between the two.

What is the significance of iambic pentameter in both hip hop and Shakespeare's works?

Iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of five sets of two beats, is significant because it demonstrates the adaptability of this rhythm in various forms of music, including hip hop, and its intrinsic connection to the natural rhythm of life, such as the heartbeat.

How does Akala demonstrate the adaptability of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 to different music styles?

Akala demonstrates this by performing Sonnet 18 over two different music styles with varying tempos, showing that the consistent rhythm of iambic pentameter allows the sonnet to fit seamlessly into both.

What misconceptions about Shakespeare does Akala address in his talk?

Akala addresses misconceptions such as the belief that Shakespeare spoke in Received Pronunciation or the Queen's English, which did not exist during his time, and the false notion that he was elitist, given that the majority of his audience could not read or write.

What is the meaning of the term 'hip hop' and its significance in the culture?

The term 'hip hop' comes from the Wolof word 'hipi' meaning 'to open one's eyes and see,' signifying enlightenment, combined with 'hop' from English, indicating movement. It represents 'intelligent movement' and is a culture that includes elements like DJing, MCing, break dancing, graffiti art, and knowledge.

What is the role of the griot in West African culture, and how is it connected to hip hop?

The griot is a West African figure who is a rhythmic oral poet, singer, musician, and custodian of history and spiritual traditions. This role is connected to hip hop as the culture also values the transmission of knowledge and history through its art forms.

How does Akala use the Wu-Tang Clan as an example to illustrate the intellectual aspect of hip hop?

Akala uses the Wu-Tang Clan's album 'Wu-Tang Forever' and the group's lead member RZA's poem 'Twelve Jewels' to show how hip hop artists can be boastful about their intellect and use their music to educate and challenge societal norms.

What is the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company's mission in terms of education and cultural representation?

The Hip Hop Shakespeare Company's mission is to challenge traditional perceptions of education and cultural representation, encouraging individuals to become custodians of knowledge and to aspire to their full potential, using the unity of hip hop and Shakespeare as an inspiration.

Can you provide an example of how Akala fuses Shakespeare's works with hip hop in his freestyle?

Akala fuses Shakespeare's works with hip hop in his freestyle by incorporating the names of 27 Shakespeare plays and 16 of Shakespeare's most famous quotes into a rap, demonstrating the versatility and depth of language in both art forms.