How to Write a Rap — Literacy At Work Episode

Summary

This video script focuses on using hip-hop and rap as powerful educational tools to connect with young learners, particularly those marginalized in the education system. Christopher Emdin, a professor of science and education, discusses how writing a rap is similar to writing poetry, stories, or narratives, but with added layers of rhythm and emotion. The session emphasizes self-expression, confidence-building, and the importance of authenticity in rap. Through engaging exercises, students explore their identities, learning how to translate personal narratives into rap lyrics. The lesson highlights the transformative potential of rap for both personal growth and academic success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hip-hop and rap can be used as powerful tools for teaching and connecting with students, especially those who are marginalized from traditional learning environments.
• 😀 Writing a rap is similar to writing poetry or a narrative, but with added layers of rhythm, performance, and emotion.
• 😀 To write a good rap, it’s important to combine content, performance, presence, and authenticity in order to create something meaningful and impactful.
• 😀 Hip-hop culture allows young people, especially those who feel out of place, to express themselves and connect on an emotional level.
• 😀 A key lesson in teaching rap involves empowering students to embrace their true selves and express their unique identity without pretension.
• 😀 Students should begin writing raps by focusing on words that capture who they are, followed by sharing their words aloud to reinforce confidence and presence.
• 😀 Authenticity is critical in rap, as the best raps come from being true to oneself and one’s lived experiences.
• 😀 Students should focus on incorporating literary devices like metaphors and analogies in their raps to add depth and meaning to their lyrics.
• 😀 The process of teaching rap involves building self-confidence in students by encouraging them to express emotions and identity through performance.
• 😀 Teachers should help students bridge the gap between institutional knowledge (facts) and intuitional knowledge (personal experience and feeling) to create more meaningful learning.
• 😀 The ultimate goal in teaching rap is to help students build skills they can use in life, such as confidence, vulnerability, and emotional awareness.

Q & A

What is the role of hip-hop in education, as discussed in the transcript?

Hip-hop is presented as a powerful educational tool that helps engage students, particularly those who are marginalized, by connecting them to their cultural identity. It is used to foster creativity, self-expression, and confidence, while bridging academic and emotional learning.

How does Christopher Emdin describe the process of writing a rap?

Christopher Emdin compares writing a rap to writing a poem or narrative, but with additional layers such as rhythm, rhyme, and emotional depth. The process involves connecting personal experiences with creativity to produce meaningful and authentic work.

Why is authenticity important in rap writing, according to the speaker?

Authenticity is crucial because it ensures the rap resonates with listeners. If the rapper is not being truthful or honest, the audience will be able to sense it. Authenticity is viewed as a form of 'currency' that holds greater value than money.

What is the significance of the word choice exercise in the lesson?

The word choice exercise helps students reflect on their identity and the qualities they want to project. Words like 'bold' or 'supernatural' are used to define their persona, which becomes the foundation for their rap lyrics, encouraging self-expression and confidence.

How does the concept of performance, presence, and personality relate to rap writing?

In rap, performance, presence, and personality are essential for delivering a compelling message. The rapper must embody their words, using their presence to engage the audience and ensure the message is felt, not just heard.

What is the difference between 'institutional knowledge' and 'intuitional knowledge'?

Institutional knowledge refers to formal education and academic content, while intuitional knowledge is the personal, emotional understanding and connection one has to the world. The transcript suggests blending both types of knowledge to create deeper, more meaningful learning.

Why is it important for students to build confidence during the lesson?

Building confidence is important because it empowers students to share their authentic selves without fear of judgment. Confidence helps students express themselves fully, leading to better engagement and stronger emotional connection to their work.

What role does Loaded Lux play in the lesson?

Loaded Lux is introduced as a mentor who embodies patience, empathy, and intellectual rigor. He serves as an example for students, showing them that it’s possible to be both intellectually rigorous and culturally authentic.

How does the speaker suggest rap can be used to address social issues?

Rap can be used as a platform to critique and reflect on social issues such as misogyny, violence, and inequality. The speaker encourages educators to guide students in using rap to challenge negative narratives and express positive change.

What does the speaker say about teaching vulnerability through rap?

The speaker emphasizes that teaching vulnerability through rap is essential for helping students navigate emotions and personal experiences. Rap provides a safe space for expressing and processing feelings, which contributes to emotional growth and self-awareness.