Hip-hop pedagogy

The Black Anthem: “Lift every voice".”

The following is an excerpt from a conversation between Dr. Mark Kabban & Dr. Cornel West on hip-hop pedagogy, the Black musical tradition, and its appropriation from oppressed youth from around the globe.

Dr. Cornel West: I tell you, brother, I want to begin by giving a solidarity hug to my young brother. MC Abul, because he's got a rich flow.

He's already a superb artist, speaking from his heart, mind and soul, and you're absolutely right. 

He is appropriating a genre from the Black musical tradition. The Black musical tradition is the greatest modern tradition of spiritual fortitude, artistic creativity, and moral courage in a catastrophic situation, like the Nakba-like conditions. 

The musicians tell the truth anyway. That's where the spirituals come from. On the down low. During 244 years of slavery. Can't tell the truth no other way but through the music. Control, no land, no territory, no rights, no liberties. All you have is your voice and that's the anthem of Black people, lift every voice. That's what MC Abdul is doing. My young brother lifting his voice, with a style with a smile, with a swag that I love, and of course Edward Said smiles from above.