“Politics and Imagery
in Hip-hop Culture”
April 10-11
Various campus
locations
“Politics and Imagery in Hip-hop Culture” will be the theme of Cal U’s ninth annual hip-hop conference, set for April 10-11.
Hip-hop artists Tyree Simmons (DJ Drama) and Krist Parker (KRS-One) will share the stage for the keynote panel, “Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Stop the Violence Movement” started by KRS-One in 1989.
The panelists will reflect on their personal experiences and how they have used hip-hop to raise awareness about key issues affecting the hip-hop generation, including violence and political empowerment.
The conference is free and open to the public.
Hip-hop Conference Schedule
Thursday, April 10
- 2 p.m. —Student poetry slam, Cal U students vs. Lock Haven students, Vulcan Theatre, located inside the Natali Student Center. The slam features a special performance by Eric “Writer” Jones.
- 4 p.m. —Keynote panel, “Commemorating
the 25th Anniversary of the Stop the Violence Movement,” with
hip-hop artists Tyree Simmons (DJ Drama) and Krist Parker (KRS-One), in the
Performance Center inside the Natali Student Center.
Simmons recently accepted a position in the A&R team at Atlantic Records, which is responsible for finding and signing new talent.
Parker has used albums such as By All Means Necessary,Criminal Minded and Edutainment to expand hip-hop’s thematic and musical boundaries. He speaks passionately about industry politics, respect and the linguistics of hip-hop.
Friday, April 11
- Noon —Talk, “President Obama’s Impact on Black America (Or Lack Thereof),” Duda Hall, Room 202. The speaker is Dr. James B Stewart, of Penn State University.
- 2 p.m. —Panel discussion,“Love and Hip-hop: Basketball Wives, Scandal and Deleterious Images of Black Women on Television," Carter Hall, Room G-06. Panelists are Dr. Laurie Canady, Dr. Marta McClintock-Comeaux, students from Cal U Women United and other invited guests.
- 4 p.m. —Panel discussion, "Macklemore, Swagger-jacking and the Pros and Cons of the Tanning of America," Carter Hall, Room G-06. Panelists are Justin Laing, Dr. Wil Boone, Dr. Dave Canton, and other invited guests.
Visit Cal U
The 2014 hip-hop conference at Cal U is free and open to the public. California University is easy to reach via major highways and Toll Route 43. Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance.