SSC 223G: Hip Hop Culture and Social Change

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and concepts from the lecture notes on Hip Hop Culture and Social Change, including its elements, definitions, and course logistics.

Hip (KRS-One Definition)

The knowledge.

Hop (KRS-One Definition)

The movement.

Hip Hop Course Language Policy

Course materials may contain explicit language or imagery; instructors will not use it, and students should avoid repeating it, especially in written assignments by using asterisks.

Asynchronous Class

A class format with no live sessions to attend, where students are responsible for independently reviewing materials, watching videos, and adhering to deadlines.

Hip-hop (General Definition)

A cultural movement and stylized rhythmic music, often with political or societal themes spoken rather than sung, associated especially with rap music.

Hip Hop vs. Rap

Hip Hop is a cultural movement encompassing music, dance, art, and philosophy; Rap is a specific musical technique or vocal style often employed within hip-hop music.

Rapping (MCing)

One of Afrika Bambaata's four pillars of hip-hop, it's a vocal style using rhythm and lyrics, similar to reciting poetry over a backbeat, distinguishing itself from singing.

Turntablism (DJing)

One of Afrika Bambaata's four pillars of hip-hop, it's the art of making music by creating mixes, combining sounds, and manipulating records with a turntable.

Breakdancing (B-Boying/B-Girling)

One of Afrika Bambaata's four pillars of hip-hop, it's an acrobatic and physically demanding style of dance central to hip-hop culture.

Street Art (Graffiti)

One of Afrika Bambaata's four pillars of hip-hop, it's visual art, typically made with spray paint, which developed a unique and recognizable style within the movement.

KRS-One's Full Definition of Hip Hop

'Hip' means knowledge (intelligence, up-to-date, relevant) and 'Hop' means movement (to actively participate); together, it signifies 'intelligent movement' or 'relevant movement'.

First Element of Hip-Hop (Contemporary Scholars)

DJing, also known as deejaying, turntabling, or turntablism; sometimes includes beatboxing.

Second Element of Hip-Hop (Contemporary Scholars)

Emceeing, also known as MCing, rhyming, or rapping.

Third Element of Hip-Hop (Contemporary Scholars)

Graffiti, also known as street art, graf, aerosol art, or writing.

Fourth Element of Hip-Hop (Contemporary Scholars)

Breaking, also known as B-boying, B-girling, or hip-hop dance; encompasses hip-hop style (fashion), attitude, and postures.

Fifth Element of Hip-Hop (Contemporary Scholars)

Knowledge, also known as consciousness, referring to knowledge of self, one's neighborhood or streets, and the community’s lived experiences.

Toni Morrison quote on definitions

"Definitions belong to the definer, not the defined," suggesting that the power to define often lies with those doing the defining.