Code Switch How Hip-Hop Fights The Power — And Also Serves It
Aug 9, 2023
Exploring the origin story of hip-hop and its impact on culture, the podcast delves into its diverse sub-genres, influence on language and fashion, and its contradictions as a tool for both resistance and capitalism. It also highlights the global impact of hip-hop, its use by powerful institutions such as the US State Department for diplomacy, and the complex relationship between hip-hop and American institutions.
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Hip-Hop as an English Teacher
- Mohammed Abu Nasser learned English by listening to American hip-hop, starting with Eminem.
- He used Rap Genius to decipher lyrics and learned about American culture, including police brutality and racial discrimination.
Rap Washing and the American Dream
- A.D. Carson believes the American Dream is a lie and hip-hop is often used for "rap washing."
- Institutions use hip-hop's coolness to mask problematic actions, like the NFL's Super Bowl halftime show during the Kaepernick controversy.
Super Bowl Halftime Show as Rap Washing
- The 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, featuring major hip-hop artists, was an example of "rap washing."
- The NFL used the show to deflect criticism about Kaepernick's blacklisting, effectively silencing the discourse.