Hip-Hop Poetry: A Generative Writing Workshop

“Hip-Hop, more than anything, is an attitude,” says instructor Kevin Dublin. “Whether informed by culture, rhythm, subject matter, form, or audience, there's a very thin line that separates hip-hop and poetry.”

In this one-day class, we will go on a journey to create and share our own hip-hop poems. We’ll work through a circuit of short lectures, readings, recorded examples, and writing exercises. Our primary goal is generating new writing. You will leave class with at least four drafts of poems based on in-class prompts, additional exercises to take with you, as well as spoken and written feedback. Volunteers can also begin informal work on the craft of performing work aloud as hip-hop poetry comes from an oral tradition. If the class would like, we’ll also take a small dip into improvisation and freestyle.

“We are going to pack a lot into the class,” says Kevin. Be prepared to read Sylvia Plath alongside Drake and Ice Cube, as well as work by contemporary poets like Terrance Hayes or Patricia Smith who have used hip-hop as a theme, inspiration, or structure.

You can come to this class being able to rap along to Nicki Minaj’s whole catalogue, have never heard a rap song in your life, or anything in-between. All levels of writing and curiosity are welcome! This class is designed to be a catalyst. What creative possibilities will you be able to unlock with the energy of hip-hop?