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Lesson Plan
Yale University

Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: The Evolution of Rap

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Here you can find a detailed overview of the evolution of rap music in the United States, followed by several lesson plans.
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Website
American Academy of Achievement

Academy of Achievement: Lauryn Hill

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Lauryn Hill, a critically acclaimed hip-hop artist. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
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Unit Plan
TED Talks

Ted: Ted Ed: Beatboxing 101 Beat Nyc

For Students 9th - 10th
There's no need for instruments to make music; you can use the greatest instrument of all, your own body. Members of BEAT NYC teach the basics of beatboxing (think trumpets, bass drums, and everything in between), all while driving...
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Handout
PBS

Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Russell Simmons

For Students 9th - 10th
Hip-hop's master impresario brought marginalized voices to a mass audience -- and cross-marketed a youth cultural movement in music, comedy, fashion, poetry, and social action.
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Unit Plan
TED Talks

Ted: Ted Ed: From Aaliyah to Jay Z: Captured Moments in Hip Hop History

For Students 9th - 10th
Jonathan Mannion once convinced rapper DMX to climb into a pool of blood- all in pursuit of the perfect photo. In this passionate TEDYouth talk, the photographer shares how fighting for the moments he needs to capture has helped him tell...
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Website
Smithsonian Institution

Lemelson Center: The Birth of Hip Hop

For Students 9th - 10th
Article focuses on the birth of hip-hop and the four elements of the movement: graffiti art, break dancing, DJing, and MCing (rapping). Author continues with the history of the movement and the personalities involved.
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Lesson Plan
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 36: Cross Genre Comparisons in Hip Hop

For Teachers 9th - 10th
From being viewed as a fad, hip-hop's commercial success has allowed it to permeate virtually all aspects of popular culture. By critically analyzing hip-hop music and comparing it with established music forms, the cultural relevance,...
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Lesson Plan
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Understanding Poetry of Maya Angelou Through Rap Lyric

For Teachers 9th - 10th
By examining the lives and lyrics of popular, positive black female rappers such as Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill, students can trace a direct line back to the inspirational writer and poet, Maya Angelou. Rap lyrics will help explicate...
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Lesson Plan
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 33: 8 Rap

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
Rap music and hip-hop were the pop music of the nineties. Learners of all ages liked to mimic the rappers they listened to on CD's, tapes, and the radio. This lesson builds on students' interest in rap music as well as their enjoyment of...
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Lesson Plan
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 52: Scops, Rappers and You

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This lesson will help students to better understand and appreciate the epic poem Beowulf by comparing it to a modern rap song. All learners, and at-risk students in particular, learn better when they are able to find relevance and...
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Queen Latifah

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia entry extols Queen Latifah as the most influential female rap singer. You can read about her evolution as a rap singer and actress.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Rap/hip Hop

For Students 9th - 10th
This encyclopedia entry gives a brief history of rap and hip hop and the influences of the music on modern culture.
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Website
Other

Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: Afrika Bambaataa's Hip Hop

For Students 9th - 10th
This site contains Afrika Bambaataa's definition of Hip Hop.
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Website
Other

Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: Grandmaster Flash's Hip Hop

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Davey D's Hip Hop Corner contains Grandmaster Flash's definition of Hip Hop.
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Website
Other

Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: Definition of Hip Hop

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Davey D's Hip Hop Corner contains DJ Kool Herc's Definition of Hip Hop.
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Website
Other

Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: What Is Hip Hop?

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Davey D's Hip Hop Corner contains a brief explanation of hip hop.
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Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Public Enemy

For Students 9th - 10th
In this encyclopedia entry, you read about the rap group, Public Enemy, their songs, and the evolution of their message. There is a link to a website for more information.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Will Smith

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry from Encyclopedia Britannica features Will Smith, an American actor and musician whose charisma, clean-cut good looks, and quick wit helped him transition from rap music to a successful career in acting.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Snoop Dogg

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the life of American rapper and songwriter, Snoop Dogg, who became one of the best-known figures in gangsta rap in the 1990s and was for many the epitome of West Coast hip-hop culture.
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Handout
Encyclopedia Britannica

Encyclopedia Britannica: Run d.m.c.

For Students 9th - 10th
Biographical details on Run-D.M.C., the American rap group that brought hip-hop into the musical and cultural mainstream, introducing what became known as "new-school" rap.
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Website
Other

Will Smith, Fresh Prince

For Students 9th - 10th
Contains a biography of rapper/actor Will Smith (aka The Fresh Prince), among the first Grammy-winning rap artists.
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Handout
Other

Run d.m.c.

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography amd discography of early rap group Run-D.M.C.
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Website
Other

Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: History of Hip Hop

For Students 9th - 10th
This site offers an extensive history of hip hop and rap, for those who want to know where it all came from!