Yale University
Yale New Haven Teachers Institute: The Evolution of Rap
Here you can find a detailed overview of the evolution of rap music in the United States, followed by several lesson plans.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Lauryn Hill
A biography of Lauryn Hill, a critically acclaimed hip-hop artist. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Beatboxing 101 Beat Nyc
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...
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Russell Simmons
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.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: From Aaliyah to Jay Z: Captured Moments in Hip Hop History
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...
Smithsonian Institution
Lemelson Center: The Birth of Hip Hop
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.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 36: Cross Genre Comparisons in Hip Hop
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,...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Understanding Poetry of Maya Angelou Through Rap Lyric
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...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 33: 8 Rap
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...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sti Lesson 52: Scops, Rappers and You
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...
Black Past
Black Past: Queen Latifah
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.
Black Past
Black Past: Rap/hip Hop
This encyclopedia entry gives a brief history of rap and hip hop and the influences of the music on modern culture.
Other
Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: Afrika Bambaataa's Hip Hop
This site contains Afrika Bambaataa's definition of Hip Hop.
Other
Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: Grandmaster Flash's Hip Hop
This site from Davey D's Hip Hop Corner contains Grandmaster Flash's definition of Hip Hop.
Other
Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: Definition of Hip Hop
This site from Davey D's Hip Hop Corner contains DJ Kool Herc's Definition of Hip Hop.
Other
Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: What Is Hip Hop?
This site from Davey D's Hip Hop Corner contains a brief explanation of hip hop.
Black Past
Black Past: Public Enemy
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Will Smith
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Snoop Dogg
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.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Run d.m.c.
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.
Other
Will Smith, Fresh Prince
Contains a biography of rapper/actor Will Smith (aka The Fresh Prince), among the first Grammy-winning rap artists.
Other
Davey D's Hip Hop Corner: History of Hip Hop
This site offers an extensive history of hip hop and rap, for those who want to know where it all came from!