[.lightbox]A classic rap workshop provides participants with the necessary knowledge and essential tools to write and perform a rap lyric using basic techniques in flow and rhyme. Participants gain insight into the development of Hip Hop with examples of how differently the culture has been portrayed and performed over its 50+ years of existence. The five-hour workshop begins with a brief presentation on the history and origins of Hip Hop, followed by a range of debate questions on Rap and how Hip Hop's four elements can be used to communicate messages to broad audiences. Once a shared understanding has been established among participants, they are equipped to address their chosen topics, form opinions, and use their voices in an alternative way that resonates with youth. They go through a series of exercises and games, write their own rap lyrics – either as a solo rapper or part of a rap group – and finally perform their rap for the rest of the participants. The workshop is facilitated by two rap coaches, who create a safe environment and guide participants through the entire process. In almost all cases, the final, so-called cypher, where rap verses are performed collectively, becomes a significant and memorable success for the participants.[.lightbox]

[.white]Learning Objectives[.white]

[.white]●[.white] [.white]Participants understand what rap is and how rap gives them the opportunity to use their voices in an alternative way[.white]

[.white]●[.white] [.white]Participants can engage in dialogue about rap's origins, understand the importance of Hip Hop history, and be familiar with Hip Hop's four elements[.white]

[.white]●[.white] [.white]Participants are motivated to address topics, form opinions, and use their voices to communicate messages[.white]

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