The Carolina Hip Hop Institute

June 20 – July 1, 2022

The Carolina Hip Hop Institute is an 11-day program that immerses students into the art and culture of hip hop. Students choose from one of three courses: MUSC 156 (Beat Making Lab), MUSC 157 (Rap Lab) and MUSC 286 (Hip Hop Dance) and earn three hours of college credit to satisfy VP (visual and performing arts) requirements. Instructors are experienced, professional artist-educators who will work with students to develop their artistry as well foster skills in entrepreneurship and conflict transformation through hip hop. Each class day has two parts: a focused session with individual teachers and, following a dinner break, jam sessions and discussions among the three classes. No audition is required, but students should be committed to learning or developing skills in rap, beatmaking, or dance; some experience is helpful but not required. The program will take place June 20 to July 1, 2022, meeting from 3:00 to 7:30 p.m. The program draws its instructors, structure, and philosophy from the Next Level (https://www.nextlevel-usa.org/) international hip-hop exchange program, which was developed at UNC and has conducted workshops in 30 countries since 2014. Please contact Prof. Mark Katz (mkatz@unc.edu) for more information.

Schedule

Each class day has two parts: a focused session with individual teachers and, following a dinner break, jam sessions and discussions among the three classes. A final concert will be held on the evening of June 14 to showcase the work of the students.

The program will take place June 20 to July 1, 2022, meeting from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Registration and Requirements

No audition is required, but students should be committed to learning or developing skills in rap, beatmaking, or dance; some experience is helpful but not required. Students must be enrolled in this Second Session course by May 15 although the start date is later.

Instructors

The program draws its instructors, structure, and philosophy from the Next Level international hip-hop exchange program, which was developed at UNC and has conducted workshops in 30 countries since 2014.

MUSC 156 Beat Making Lab

Taught by Kerwin Young (who worked with Public Enemy and many other legends!)

An introductory hands-on study of the composition of electronic instrumental tracks for hip-hop and dance music. Students make beats, learn about the history and culture of the art form, and examine beat making as a case study in entrepreneurship.

MUSC 157 Rap Lab

Taught by the amazing MC and Carolina alumnus Josh “Rowdy” Rowsey

An introductory 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.

MUSC 286 Music as Culture: Topic: Hip Hop Dance and Culture

Taught by dancer, choreographer, activist Junious Brickhouse

An introductory hands-on study of the art of hip hop dance and its culture. Students will learn a variety of urban dance styles and well as study their history and culture.

Please contact Prof. Mark Katz (mkatz@unc.edu) for more information.