DJ Kool Herc gave birth to the breakbeat at a 1973 back-to-school party in the Bronx. In 1980, I wrote the poem, “I’m Made of Jazz,” which would be my first professional publication credit. Influenced by poetry of the Black Arts Movement, the poem–which came to me out of the blue and fully formed–might have been rap. But I didn’t realize it then. So instead of leaning into hip hop, I set my sights on becoming an author.
Today, hip hop is the language of global youth culture. As an HBCU professor, I created the course, Hip Hop: Poetry, Politics and Pop Culture, which would become the English department’s most popular offering.
Meanwhile, my son Jeffery, not yet a published illustrator, was freestyling and performing every chance he got. Together, we created Hip Hop Tech, a youth residency on writing, producing and performing rap. Jeffery continues to lead these transformative workshops and to spread the gospel of hip hop.
All the while, I was working on my own bars–a picture book manuscript about hip hop history. Published in 2019 and illustrated by Frank Morrison, The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip Hop, recounts hip hop’s early history and gives props to old school rappers. Download a free teacher’s guide for The Roots of Rap here.
This year saw the release of Rap It Up!, co-authored by me and Jeffery and illustrated by Ernel Martinez. Jeffery’s brainchild, the how-to-book inspires young readers to express themselves creatively and confidently. Chock full of literary terms, the book is an ELA and music teacher’s dream-come-true.
During school visits, we pair these titles in a presentation on the evolution of hip hop. Jeffery never fails to wow the students with his performance of Rap It Up! This program is great for Black History Month, National Poetry Month or even Black Music Month. Contact Carole about bookings.
