Hip Hop and Philosophy

From its inception, hip-hop has challenged ideas about morality, religion, and truth. Genuinely, it’s a philosophical genre. Both philosophers and hip-hop artists think about God, death, and justice, among other things. But rarely do members of these two groups talk to one another about these issues. This is a shame, given that both hip-hop and philosophy have a rich history in deep thinking and have produced exemplary thinkers.
Join Howard University scholar Dr. Brandon Hogan as he moderates a fascinating conversation between hip-hop and academic philosophy. Starting with a deep look at what defines both of them, he examines how certain artists and philosophers embrace the same principles. Then, over a series of thought-provoking episodes, you’ll explore how famous philosophers and infamous hip-hop artists have grappled with such timeless themes as good and evil, free will, poverty and wealth, and the ethics of humility. Dr. Hogan will invite you to consider what the Notorious B.I.G. would have to say to ancient Greek philosophers. He will also show you how KRS-One and N.W.A. reflect contemporary academic theories of criminal punishment.
Hip-hop and philosophy often help us to cope with life, death, and injustice and allow us to think more precisely about our place in the world. More important, hip-hop and philosophy enrich each other and should be appreciated together. By gaining a deeper insight into both, you will gain a deeper understanding of some of the most pressing challenges that confront society today.