Hip-hop workshop dissects history and influence of music genre

Margaret Jones, a psychology major at California Baptist University, demonstrates moves associated with hip-hop beats at a Slam Poetry Club event on Oct. 12.

Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2017) — The Slam Poetry Club at California Baptist University hosted a workshop to learn and appreciate the history and the influence of hip-hop on Oct. 12, 2017.

Dr. Charles Lee-Johnson, assistant professor and field director for the social work program at CBU, lectured on the cultural relevance of the popular music genre that stemmed from rap music.

Lee-Johnson said that music transcends culture.

“Part of the beauty of rap music is it is the unedited life of the people making it,” Lee-Johnson said. “Within the music and born of the people is their pain.”

Lee-Johnson also broke down and dissected songs and demonstrated to the audience the differences in hip-hop beats. 

Anna Gutierrez, a social work graduate student, said the event reminded her of how important different forms of expression can be.

“In music, you have the freedom to express how you feel, including topics like oppression, and this can be done through music, dance and gestures,” Gutierrez said.

The event also featured the opportunity for students to read their own poetry.

Margaret Jones, Slam Poetry Club president, said her club seeks to promote dignity and self-worth.

“Through our club, we can share our struggles, testimonies and pain. For me it’s a ministry,” Jones said. “Our club’s desire is for students to share their creativity and get comfortable with expression. We are committed to bringing forth creativity in all of its aspects.”