Over the past five decades, Hip-Hop has rocketed from a local subculture to a global phenomenon, leaving an unmistakable mark on our culture and helping drive social movements. Emerging from the marginalized neighborhoods of the Bronx in the 1970s, this art form almost immediately became a powerful vehicle for self-expression and commentary on social issues that has shaped the country. 

Hip-Hop’s influence on culture can’t be overstated—extending beyond music to encompass fashion, film, politics, and visual arts. The art form has also provided a platform for underrepresented voices, allowing artists from communities to share their experiences and address social and economic inequalities. From the sober storytelling of early pioneers like Grandmaster Flash, Slick Rick, and BDP to the socially conscious lyrics of artists like Public Enemy, Lauryn Hill, and Kendrick Lamar, Hip-Hop has consistently challenged the status quo. 

Hip-Hop’s beats and rhymes have also become anthems for activism, inspiring whole movements while addressing issues such as racial injustice, police brutality, gender inequality, and economic disparities (Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” is one obvious example). Artists like Tupac Shakur and Kendrick Lamar have used their platforms to spark conversations about systemic issues—while other artists like Lil’ Kim, Cardi B, and Lil’ Nas X have challenged generations to question and confront societal norms. 

This special Reframing the Conversation during Black History Month explored many of the areas in our culture that Hip-Hop has helped shape over the past half-century.

Speakers