MUSC 157: Rap Lab
Lecturer Christopher “Dasan Ahanu” Massenburg
Wednesdays 2:30-5:20
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.” – Maya Angelou
As one of Hip Hop’s founding elements, the emcee has grown to become an enigmatic part of pop culture today. The words layered craftily over beats have helped propel rap music into modern global phenomenon. As one of the integral commodities of Hip Hop culture, the emcee has become an amalgamation of identities: rapper, rebel, iconoclast, martyr, party rocker, rock star, trend setter, entrepreneur, poster child, genius, trapper, conman, actor, griot. As Hip-Hop pedagogy has grown, it is no surprise that the emcee is a highly discussed part of the culture. The emcee’s distinct manner of reaching the masses is through their lyrics, placed purposely and masterfully over beats. This ability to wield magic is a craft with wide range both powerful and magnetic.
Rap Lab is a hands-on study of the art of emceeing. Students engage in a rigorous lyricism curriculum, developing the skills to write, recite, and improvise lyrics in live and recorded settings. Students also explore the history of hip-hop culture and analyze the aesthetics of emcees from around the world.
There are no prerequisites for MUSC 157, and it offers 3 credit hours towards graduation upon completion.