Lyricism As Educational Transformation : The Writing Identity of a Hip Hop Lyricist and Educator

This volume explores the pedagogical and transformative potential of writing lyrics. Based on an autoethnographic study and inspired by Ivanič’s notion of writer identity, it explores how writing can nurture different aspects of students’ identity, allowing them to connect with and engage in their social and community background. Through an analysis of the author’s lived experiences as a Black male educator and author, Hip Hop lyricist, and curriculum writer, it details how the lyrics of Hip Hop artists served as educational experiences in his journey toward becoming a Hip Hop artist and educator, as well as how he developed his experiences into a template for his students to follow through programs such as Hip Hop Literacy.

A unique and engaging exploration of lyricism, this book examines themes such as building positive classroom relationships, self-actualization, self-expression, skill acquisition, and culturally responsible pedagogy. It will be of interest to researchers and educators involved in alternative literacy practices, Hip Hop education, autoethnography, and curriculum studies.

Lamont Pretrell Muhammad is Dean of Culture at the Academy for Integrated Arts, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.