Ep 11, Hip Hop Studies: The Roots of Rap

“Rap is something you do—hip hop is something you live.” — Dr. Reiland Rabaka

In Episode 11 of The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy, Dr. Reiland Rabaka launches our new Hip Hop Studies series with a powerful exploration of the cultural, political, and historical foundations of hip hop.

This episode traces the origins of hip hop from its roots in the Bronx to its connections with African griots, Black oral traditions, and resistance movements. Dr. Rabaka unpacks the five core elements of hip hop—MCing, DJing, breakdancing, graffiti, and knowledge—and how each one emerged as a form of survival, expression, and cultural genius.

Far from just entertainment, hip hop is framed here as a living philosophy, a way of life forged in the heat of economic exclusion, community creativity, and Black cultural inheritance.

Catch the broadcast on Radio 1190 KVCU every other Tuesday at 7 a.m.

Explore the curated playlist that complements this episode’s themes

This is part one of a multi-episode deep dive—Hip Hop Studies begins here.

See all shownotes and a playlist on our website.