Talking Nas From the Ledge: Seeing the World Bigger Than Pain and a Hip-Hop Praxis

• In Event: Hip-Hop Roundtable 1

Abstract

In Nas’ lyrical composition of If I Ruled the World, he asks the question, “Life, I wonder, Will it take me under”. This paper is to inform educational and community professionals on the transformative influence of Hip-Hop Based Education (HHBE), particularly its need to improve learning environments while promoting a 21st century understanding of community. Collaborative work of practitioners and scholars of diverse academic fields and disciplines are utilized to strategically address complex social and educational problems stemming from triggers caused by stress, depression, and bullying. Drawing on various theoretical, methodological, analytical standpoints, and community experiences, this paper will analyze HHBE as an inclusive practice to connect multiple stakeholders in the innovative creation of inclusive and culturally relevant learning environments.

Authors

• Angela M. Mosley, JustOne Solutions LLC.

• Rovion Reed, Kinetic Vibez

• Jerone Jones, JustOne Solutions, LLC.