Kendrick Lamar has emerged as one of the greatest rappers to achieve success in popular music. Noted for his technical virtuosity, sociopolitical insight, introspective delivery, and unparalleled flow, Lamar is singular in his artistry. He is the first rapper to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and the kids are listening.
This webinar takes seriously the content of Lamar’s compositions and performances to think through the political and cultural impact of Lamar in particular, and hip-hop more broadly. I will focus on Lamar’s 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly to talk through the ways his music provides critical commentary regarding urgent issues we face including suicidal ideation and self-love, mass incarceration and territorialism, leadership and martyrdom. This webinar will introduce educators to pedagogical entryways in Lamar’s music and advocate for ethical uses of hip-hop in the classroom.
Participants are encouraged to listen to Lamar’s album To Pimp A Butterfly (available on all streaming platforms) and to watch the accompanying music videos (available on YouTube): "i," "Alright," and "King Kunta."