Respect the Technique: Hip Hop & Technology! The 3rd annual Hip-Hop Studies Conference will be held at Howard University from November 14 to 16, 2025.
Hip Hop Studies
2025 Hip-Hop Studies Conference
Upcoming Event: 2025 Howard University Hip-Hop Studies Conference
Theme: Respect the Technique: Hip-Hop and Technology
📅 November 14–16, 2025 | 📍 Howard University, Washington, DC
The Howard University Hip-Hop Studies Program proudly presents the 3rd Annual Hip-Hop Studies Conference, a dynamic gathering of scholars, artists, students, technologists, and community leaders exploring the intersections of Hip-Hop and technology.
This year’s theme—Respect the Technique: Hip-Hop and Technology—examines how digital tools, innovation, and creative media are reshaping Hip-Hop culture, expression, and scholarship. The conference will feature panels, workshops, film screenings, and performances, along with an opening reception at Eaton DC.
✨ Registration is now open!
- $50 for the general public
- Free for all students
🔗 Register at: HUHipHop.eventbrite.com
Join us as we continue to celebrate and study Hip-Hop as a global force for creativity, resistance, and innovation.
What is Hip-Hop Studies?
Hip-Hop Studies explores Hip-Hop as a global cultural movement with deep roots in Black and African Diaspora traditions. This interdisciplinary program provides students with the tools to analyze, engage with, and contribute to Hip-Hop culture through research, critical theory, creative practice, and media production.
Upcoming Courses
Spring 2026 Hip-Hop Studies Courses
The following courses will be offered Spring 2026
Core Courses
- AFST 132: Hip Hop & Pop Culture in Africa (W 5:10 PM - 7:30 PM)
- AFRO 128: Hip Hop (T/Th 3:40 PM - 5:00 PM)
- THFD 211: Seminar in Hip Hop (T/Th 2:10 PM - 3:30 PM)
Minor Electives
- MJFC 200: Introduction to Media Production (multiple sections)
- MUSI 033: Entrepreneurship in the Entertainment Industry (W 6:10 PM - 8:30 PM)
- THDN 030: Dance History II (Virtual, Synchronous)
Approved Electives
- COMM 322: Visual Storytelling & Design (W 3:10 PM - 6:00 PM *has prerequisites)
- COMM 101: Fundamentals of Advertising & Storytelling (W 6:10 PM - 7:00 PM)
Who Is This Minor For?
Scholars & Researchers: This minor offers deep engagement with the scholarship that shapes the field of Hip-Hop Studies. Learn from leading thinkers in the field & study Hip-Hop as a global, political, and artistic movement.
Social Science & Justice: Interested in sociology, political science, African American and African Studies, or education? Explore how Hip-Hop emerges from and responds to systems of inequality, social movements, and everyday life in marginalized communities.
Artists & Practitioners: Whether you’re an MC, dancer, visual artist, or fashion innovator, this minor gives you space to develop your creative voice while connecting to the cultural legacies that inform your work. You will study lyricism, performance, and visual culture.
Media & Industry: Ready to work in music, podcasting, or digital media? This minor offers hands-on experience in audio production and entrepreneurship, providing opportunities to connect with the Hip-Hop Museum, SiriusXM, and other industry leaders.
The Hip-Hop Studies Minor will prepare you for careers in academia, media, the arts, and beyond.
Howard University’s Hip-Hop Studies Minor is more than a program—it’s a community of scholars, artists, and leaders using Hip-Hop to ask the hard questions and create new possibilities.
Contact us to learn how you can declare the minor and start your journey.
Foundational Courses
Minors Must Take 2 of the Following Foundational Courses
• AFRO 128: Hip Hop
• AFST 132: Hip Hop & Popular Culture in Africa
• THFD 211: Seminar in Hip Hop
• ENGW 104: Writing, Literature, & Discourse (Dr. David Green)
Course Electives
Course Electives
• AFST 122: ST: Black Women & Popular Culture
• ENGL 283: ST: Prophetic Hip Hop & the African American Literary Tradition
• FASH 102: African American Dress
• HIST 043: Music, Resistance & Black Diaspora
• PORT 700: Brazilian Hip Hop
• THAC 124: Seminar in Hip Hop Theatre
• THDN 030: Dance History II
• MUSI 033: Entrepreneurship in the Business of Music and Arts
• SOCI 161: Problems of the Black Community
• MJFC 200: Introduction to Media Production
• MJFC 462: Advanced Audio Production *Prerequisite courses include Intro to Media Production, Music in Media, Audio for TV & Film, Podcasting, and Audio Engineering.
• MJFC 330: Multimedia Audio Production *Prerequisites: MJFC 200 Intro to Media Production, MJFC 211 Announcing and Interviewing for audio majors, and MJFC 201 Multimedia Storytelling for journalism majors.
• SLMC 401-01, 402-01, 403-01, 404-01405-01: Practicum-Internship
Additional Optional Electives
- IDSD 155: A Hip Hop Convo on Race (1 hour)
- IDSD 160: Woke Poetry (1 hour)
- COMM 102: Fundamentals of Advertising & Story Telling (1 hour)
News and Events
Affiliated Faculty and Staff
College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Msia Kibona Clark, Director and Faculty Coordinator for the Hip-Hop Studies Minor and Associate Professor of African Studies
Ms. Benita King, Director of Operations, Office of the Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Dr. David Green, Associate Professor of English
Dr. Tammy Brown, Associate Professor of History
School of Communications
Dr. Roger Caruth, Faculty Coordinator for the Hip-Hop Studies Minor and Associate Professor of Strategic, Legal & Management Communications
Dr. Tia Tyree, Interim Associate Dean, School of Communications
College of Fine Arts
Mr. Timothy Jones, Faculty Coordinator for the Hip-Hop Studies Minor and Lecturer of Theatre Arts
Dr. Elka Stevens, Associate Professor of Art
School of Business
Ms. Jasmine Young, Director of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Music Center