Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes

TitleHip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes: Educator Guide
Publication TypeBook
Year of Publication2006
AuthorClassroom, ITVS Community
Number of Pages25
PublisherIndependent Television Service
CitySan Francisco, CA
Publication LanguageEnglish
Copies at the Archive1

HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes takes an in-depth look at representations of manhood, sexism, and homophobia in hip-hop culture. This groundbreaking documentary is a "loving critique" of certain disturbing developments in rap music culture from the point of view of a fan who challenges the art form's representations of masculinity. Leading rap and hip-hop artists including Mos Def, Busta RHymes, Russell Simmons are interviewed -- and pressed -- to answer some difficult questions about the violent and sexually explicit content of many hip-hop songs and videos.

Educators can use this guide to support viewing of HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes while engaging students in discussions about gender, race and community values. To support media literacy, teachers can also encourage young men and women to reflect on the impact of violent and sexual imagey ont hemselves, their relationships and their communities. The film and the education guide can also inspire conversations on an increasingly violent materialistic and sexually explicit American culture using hip-hop as a point of reference. Each generation expresses itself in a new musical genre, and hip-hop is the voice of today's youth. With these resources, students can better listen, understand and respond.